Not over yet: U.S. disputes Kurdish claims against Islamic State in Kobani

The United States said Monday the battle for control of the Syrian town of Kobani was continuing, despite claims by Kurdish leaders that their forces have recaptured the area from Islamic State extremists. The fighters have been backed by U.S. airstrikes and were said to be close to controlling the entire town. Kobani has become a symbol in the battle against the hard-line Sunni Muslim insurgents who have captured large expanses of Iraq and Syria and have been launching a full-scale assault since July. Kurdish forces are still battling IS on the eastern outskirts of the town. They’re also proceeding carefully because IS fighters planted mines before fleeing the town.

We think tomorrow Kobani will be free.

Idris Nassan, Kurdish official

According to those still in Kobani, half of the town has been completely destroyed and much of the rest of it has suffered damage, leaving many homeless. The town lacked water, electricity, hospitals and food. The fight for Kobani, which has lasted more than four months and left nearly 1,800 dead, has taken on symbolic importance. IS has poured in fighters and weapons and filmed its own propaganda videos there, even as international media across the border in Turkey captured imagery of U.S.-led bombing raids.

I’m not prepared to say the battle is won. The battle continues, but friendly forces have the momentum.

Pentagon spokesman Col. Steve Warren

Middle East