Kobanê Defence Minister Ismet Şêx Hesen is fighting together with two of his sons in defence of Kobanê.

Hesen and his two sons who are in the YPG say: “Kobanê is more precious than anything. We will never allow the ISIS gangs to take it. The youth of Kobanê should come and take their places in the resistance.”

The egalitarian social model of Kobanê canton has been demonstrated in the resistance to ISIS attacks. An example of this is the Hesen family. Since attacks began on Kobanê the Defence Ministry has continued its work under harsh conditions while the Ministers two sons, Kajîn and Dilgêş are fighting in the ranks of the YPG. A nephew of Hesen has also died during the resistance in Kobanê.

“I have the happiness of fighting shoulder to shoulder with my sons”

Kobanê defence minister Ismet Şêx Hesen said he had also taken up arms in an earlier attack in July, adding: “When this latest assault started I did not hesitate to take up my gun and join the resistance.”

Hesen said his son Kajîn had already been in the YPG, and when the latest attacks began in September his son Dilgêş also joined up. Hesen added he was proud of his sons and had the happiness of fighting with them side by side.

“Freedom is more precious than anything”

Şêx Hesen gave Algeria as an example, saying: “Thousands of people from all over the world went to Algeria and sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the people. We are also prepared to do this for our land. What I important is Kobanê and the freedom of the Kurdish people.”

“We will not allow ISIS to take Kobanê”

Hesen's eldest son, Kajîn Hesen, joined the YPG 3 years ago. He was wounded fighting against the Al Nusra Front in Afrin, then came to Kobanê to join the resistance here. Kajîn Hesen said that he was now fighting against the ISIS gangs along with his father and his brother. “We will never allow the ISIS gangs to take Kobanê,” he added.

“If necessary, the whole family will join the resistance”

Dilgêş Hesen decided to join the YPG when the ISIS attacks began on 15 September. He said: “At first I fought on the eastern front.  Now I go wherever I’m needed. I’m defending Kobanê together with my father and elder brother. We cannot abandon Kobanê to ISIS.”

Dilgeş Hesen said that if necessary his mother and other siblings would also join the defence of Kobanê, and called on the youth of the canton to return, saying: “Come back and let’s defend Kobanê together. Leaving is not a solution. The best and the honourable thing to do is to stay here and fight for the freedom of our country.”