As the Kobanê resistance enters its 16th day, there were fierce clashes throughout the night on the eastern front as ISIS gangs stepped up their offensive.

YPG and YPJ forces are intensifying their resistance by the day and not permitting ISIS to pass. Since the area is close to the Turkish border, it is where the gangs receive most support.

Newroz Kobanê, a commander on the eastern front, Ciwan Tirko, a YPG fighter of Turkish origin and Mazlum Kobanê, a father of three, explained the conflict to the ANF.

They want to enter from the eastern front

Newroz Kobanê said: “In recent days they have concentrated their forces here. The fact that the points attacked by the ISIS gangs are close to the Turkish border is an advantage for them, as they receive support from Turkey. In the evenings the Turkish authorities cut off the electricity so that the gangs can benefit from the darkness to cross the border. The eastern front is also not the easiest for us as regards terrain. This why ISIS is concentrating its attacks here.” Kobanê added that they were determined not to budge an inch from their defensive positions."

She continued: “There is a serious resistance that has inflicted heavy blows on the enemy. They have lost many fighters and had to flee without being able to retrieve the bodies. Two days ago one of their tanks was destroyed.”

Defending Kobanê to the end

Newroz Kobanê added: ''The historic resistance of the YPG/YPJ fighters is continuing. We will fight to the last drop of our blood against ISIS and we will emerge triumphant.” Newroz Kobanê stressed the role women had played at the front, adding: “Dozens of our comrades have fallen during the struggle. Women are playing a determined role in the front line, which creates fear amongst the ISIS gangs.”

The Kobanê war is not just the Kurds

Ciwan Tirko, a young socialist Turk who joined the ranks of the YPG during the Gezi events, said the resistance put up during the last 15 days was an example to the world, adding: “we are defending the people and land despite the heavy weaponry of the other side and their advantage in numbers. This war is not just that of the Kurds, but is a liberation struggle of all oppressed people in the Middle East. I therefore invite the young from all peoples to join the struggle.”

Ciwan Tirko added: ''I promise the people of Kurdistan that I will defend Kobanê to the end. We will not allow the gangs to enter Kobanê”.

He has lost one brother and another has been wounded

Mazlum Kobanê, who joined the YPG a year ago, is married and has three children. He joined the ranks of the YPG with two of his brothers. In July Mazlum lost one of his brothers and the other suffered a leg wound. He added: “I’ve also been wounded twice, but I returned to defend Kobanê.”

He concluded by saying: “I’ve lost my brother and I will fight to the end. We will not compromise over our land and our honour.”