YPG/YPJ Commander Meysa Ebdo assessed to ANF the latest stage in the Kobanê resistance, relations with Burkan Al Firat and the peshmerga forces and women’s role in the resistance.

Meysa Ebdo has stressed that while the initiative is now with the Kurdish forces after more than 10 weeks of fighting the threat continues.

Could you summarise the Kobanê resistance so far?

The ISIS gang’s attacks on us was not a random, unplanned assault. It was a planned attack hoping to achieve its aim in a short time. However, it encountered an epic popular resistance. We resisted along with our people and without our belief and will power it would not have been possible to resist these unprecedented attacks. Of course, the philosophy and experience of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement was behind this resistance.

What is the latest situation in Kobanê?

We are fighting in every house and in every street in the city. For some time now the initiative has been with the YPG/YPJ forces. At the moment we are aiming to entirely cleanse Kobanê and its villages of this gang. We have advanced on the eastern and southern fronts. On the western front ISIS has not been able to get into the city. Although the initiative is with us, the threat still persists. ISIS is still in the city and the war goes on. We do not under estimate the ISIS gang. Winter conditions will make things more difficult. We do not know what ISIS will do next, as they take no notice of any norms. As I say, the danger remains and conflict continues.

It is reported that ISIS has brought in reinforcements. Is this true?

This has been a continuous process that has not ceased. When a battalion is wiped out they bring in another one. In the last few days they have brought in reinforcements, mainly foreigners, as they are finding it difficult to get Arabs to fight.

From where do they bring in these reinforcements?

From all the areas around Kobanê. From Tel Abyad, Manbij, and Jarablus.

The peshmerga forces have been in Kobanê for more than a month. How has coordination been during this time?

We are together. The peshmerga are keen to have a role in the war. They have brought heavy weaponry. Most important of all, this has initiated a new period as regards Kurdish unity.

You are engaged in joint struggle with Burkan Al Fırat. What are relations like with them?

Our alliance with Burkan Al Firat symbolises the fraternity of the Arab and Kurdish peoples. We are carrying out joint actions, although they have their own military system. Our solidarity with them is at a high level and we share all needs, in addition to fighting together.

How do the Burkan Al Firat fighters react to the resistance of the YPJ?

They were surprised, as it is the first time they have seen women fighters. They witnessed the heroism of women fighters and were profoundly affected, leading to a change in attitude.

How do you assess the role of the YPJ resistance?

The women have put up a powerful resistance here, which has been recognised worldwide. The resistance represents all the women of the world and is continuing to develop. The fact women all over the world have identified with our struggle is very important for us.

Our resistance has been compared to that at Stalingrad. Even there women were not in the front line. The YPJ has been in the forefront of the resistance. Our message is that women can overcome all difficulties. After Kobanê I can say that the hegemonic view all over the world regarding women will not have the same effect.

Would you like to add anything?

I would like to thank the many writers and artists all over the world who have dedicated the prizes they have received to the YPJ fighters. I greet the women who have been maintaining a vigil at the border since the beginning of the conflict. We consider them an important part of the YPJ resistance.