President Massoud Barzani’s statement on the liberation of Kobane

Today we received the news of the liberation of Kobane, where its struggles captured the hearts of every Kurdistan citizen and freedom fighter. I congratulate the Kurdish people for this success. This is a significant success for all Kurds and it is the success of humanity against these inhuman terrorists. It is a great honour for the Kurdish people that they stood along 1,500 kilometres in the face of the most brutal terrorist organisation and defeated them.

I am sure that the support of Kurdish people, the help of Kurdish allies and the resistance of Kobane will inspire the majority of Kurdish people in the fight against the terrorists.

We must thank the US-led coalition that played a major role by providing airstrike operations.

I also thank Turkey on behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government and myself for allowing the Peshmerga to cross the country and arrive in Kobane in order to support Kurdish fighters in the city.

Kobane did not fall because their will was strong, and the assistance provided by the allies of Kobane contributed to the victory. The will of the people of Kurdistan standing by Kobane is a patriotic duty, and we did our best with our own people and our friends to make sure Kobane doesn't fall.

We pay our tributes to the Martys who drove us on the road to freedom.