‘Kurds always rise again’: Soran rallies against Syrian government offensive on Rojava

SORAN — Large crowds gathered Tuesday in Soran, northeast of Erbil, to protest what organizers described as ongoing attacks by Syrian government forces and affiliated armed groups on Kurdish areas in northeastern Syria, known as Rojava.

The demonstration took place on Kawa Street, drawing residents of different ages who carried Kurdish flags and chanted slogans including “Martyrs never die” and “Rojava is Rojhalat, Kurdistan is one nation.” Rojava is the Kurdish term for western Kurdistan in Syria, while Rojhalat refers to eastern Kurdistan in Iran.

“The Kurds always rise again. Rojava is not alone. Kurdistan is one,” a woman at the protest told 964media.

Another participant said Kurdish unity remains strong at the grassroots level but called for greater coordination among Kurdish political leaders.

The rally in Soran was part of a wider wave of demonstrations across the Kurdistan Region since late Monday, as concern grows over renewed fighting in northeastern Syria and the collapse of a ceasefire and integration arrangement announced earlier this week between Syria’s transitional authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

Earlier Tuesday, hundreds also gathered outside the United Nations office in Erbil in a separate show of support for Kurds in Rojava, as protests continue across multiple towns and cities in the region.

Kurdish leaders have warned that the renewed offensive has displaced civilians and fueled fears of demographic change and ethnic targeting in Kurdish-majority areas.

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani condemned the offensive, calling the attacks “unacceptable” and urging international action to protect civilians.

The Syrian Democratic Forces have served for years as the main U.S.-backed partner on the ground against the Islamic State group in Syria, playing a central role in the campaign that ended the group’s territorial control in 2019.