University of Kobani Condemns Deadly Attack, Appeals for Probe After Student Lost Legs in the Attack

ANF

In a gesture of respect, Fatima’s fellow students were photographed kneeling beside her, showing solidarity with her courage and determination despite her injuries.

The University of Kobani in Rojava (North and East Syria) has issued a statement condemning the 25 January assault on Karab Ashk village, which killed five members of a single Kurdish family and injured five others, including children. Among the survivors, first-year law student Fatima Haj Mahmoud lost both legs, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing violence in the region.

University officials expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing Fatima as an ambitious student whose education and future have been drastically affected.

“Fatima is not merely a student; she represents a generation striving for justice and a future rooted in dignity,” the statement said.

The university pledged psychological and social support for Fatima’s recovery and education, while extending condolences to all affected families. The statement also called on international and human rights organisations to investigate the attack and ensure protection for civilians under international law.

The assault occurred amid ongoing clashes in and around Kobani and other cities across north and east Syria, where forces linked to the Syrian interim government and allied armed groups have reportedly violated a recently announced ceasefire on multiple occasions, according to local sources and monitoring agencies. These violations have included shelling of villages and attempts to advance into Kurdish-administered areas, resulting in civilian casualties and displacement.

In late January and early February 2026, the Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reached a comprehensive ceasefire and integration agreement to end months of hostilities in northeastern Syria and restore state authority in key regions.

Under the agreement, a nationwide ceasefire was declared, SDF military formations withdrew from frontline positions, and Syrian government security forces entered major cities such as Hasakah and Qamishli to assume administrative responsibilities. The deal also outlines the phased integration of SDF military and security personnel into Syrian army and interior ministry structures, while civilian institutions in former SDF-administered areas will come under state control.

Strategic facilities, including border crossings and oil and gas fields, are to be transferred to Damascus authority, with guarantees for the continuation of existing civil service roles and protection of Kurdish civil and educational rights.

Arab states have described the framework as a step toward stabilising Syria and promoting national unity, though observers note significant challenges remain in its implementation and in building mutual trust between parties.



PUKMEDIA