Elderly Syrian women are taking up arms in a desperate last bid to prevent their town falling into the hands of ISIS. The town of Kobani is barely 200 yards from the Turkish border, and has been described as the town the world cannot lose to ISIS.
On Monday, it was reported that the black flag of ISIS was now flying over a building on the east of the town, with Reuters reporting that local sources confirmed the presence of the flag, but also saying that Kurdish forces has repelled the militants.
The Daily Mail reports that a photo of the women brandishing their weapons was retweeted around the world by people desperate to draw attention to the plight of the town and its inhabitants, with many fearing a massacre if it falls.
If the town does fall, the terror group will control an unbroken 125-mile stretch of territory across the Turkish border.
Despite pleas from the population, outside help has been limited, with US air strikes on militant positions around the town appearing to have limited effect.
Ismail Eskin, a journalist inside the town said: “ISIL have only planted a flag on one building on the eastern side of town. That is not inside the city, it’s on the eastern side. They are not inside the city. Intense clashes are continuing.”
ISIS have been raining down mortars on Kobani the past few days, with one stray bomb landing in Turkish territory.
Esmat al-Sheikh, head of the Kobani Defence Authority told Reuters: “If they enter Kobani, it will be a graveyard for us and for them. We will not let them enter Kobani as long as we live,” adding: “We either win or die. We will resist to the end.”
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