In January 2015, following a prolonged siege that began in September 2014, the People's Protection Units (YPG) launched a determined offensive to recapture the city of Kobanî from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The city, located in northern Syria close to the Turkish border, became a focal point of the conflict, attracting global attention due to its symbolic and strategic importance. Over the months, Kobanî became a battleground illustrating the struggle between Kurdish forces and ISIL, with significant civilian population impacts and ongoing humanitarian crises as a backdrop.

The YPG, primarily composed of Kurdish fighters, managed to bolster their forces with local volunteers and gained crucial support from international coalitions, including airstrikes coordinated with the United States and other allies. These interventions weakened ISIL's positions, enabling the YPG to reclaim areas previously controlled by the insurgents. The liberation of Kobanî not only boosted Kurdish morale but marked a pivotal moment in the wider fight against ISIL, demonstrating that organized local resistance could effectively challenge the insurgent group.

The recapture of Kobanî is often viewed as a turning point in the Syrian Civil War, as it signaled the rising strength of Kurdish forces in the region. The YPG’s victory gained significant international media coverage, elevating the visibility of the Kurdish struggle and leading to increased support for their efforts both militarily and politically. Kobanî's fall and subsequent recapture reflect the changing dynamics of power within the Syrian Civil War, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the conflict where local, national, and international interests intersect.