As the attacks launched by Turkey and its Syrian National Army (SNA) against North and East Syria continue, Kobanê is one of the cities where the threat of attack intensifies. One of the towns where this threat is felt the most is Pirsûs (Suruç) district of Riha (Urfa). In the two districts separated by artificial borders, there is a density of related families on both sides of the border. Pirsûs people, whose relatives are under attack and threat, took their place in the vigil started at the Kobanê-Pirsûs border and stated that the attacks were against them.

 

'EITHER THEY ARE SLAUGHTERED OR WE ARE' 

 

 

Halil Demir, one of the participants of the vigil, stated that Kobanê and Pirsûs have been one since history but were separated by artificial borders with the establishment of Turkey. Reacting to the attacks and threats against Kobanê, Demir said: "I am from Pirsûs, the farthest from the Kobanê border, but even my aunt's children live there. All border villages have some of their families living there. The Kurd here and the Kurd in Kobanê are one. Our children are there, our brothers and sisters are there. They are attacked and we are attacked. They are slaughtered and we are slaughtered. There is no difference. No one should expect us to accept these attacks."

 

'THERE IS ONLY A WIRE BETWEEN KOBANÊ AND PI·RSÛS'

 

 

Kemal Barlin, some of whose relatives also live in Kobanê, stated that they hear the sounds of explosions and artillery shells in their houses on the border of Kobanê. "The reality here is this; There is only a wire between us and Kobanê. We are relatives. Our shopping and weddings have been together for years. Every time we hear the sound of cannon fire, something breaks in our hearts. No one can separate us from them. No matter how much pressure the state exerts, this will not change."

 

Barlin stated that they met with their relatives in Kobanê and that they were happy with the administration there, and that they told them that Turkey was targeting the administration and the way of life there, and added: "It is not possible to accept these attacks. The right thing is to live together in brotherhood with one's own language and culture. It is not possible to understand attacks and massacres. This is an attack on existence. As long as the attacks against our relatives continue, we will continue to take part in the vigil at the border."

 

'WE WILL BE AT THE BORDER UNTIL THE ATTACKS END'

 

Ahmet Dağtekin said that his relatives living in 3 different villages of Kobanê are facing threats of attack and added: "We talk to them every day. They say that the attacks are still continuing. They tell us that the gangs are organizing attacks against them with the state's help."

 

 

Dağtekin emphasised that they will not accept these attacks against the Autonomous Administration and stated that they will continue to keep watch until Turkey and SNA's attacks on the Autonomous Administration and the people there end.

 

MA / Ceylan Şahinli