Kurds protest Turkish inaction against ISIL as US airstrikes continue

Islamic Extremism

U.S. Airstrikes, KobaneTOPSHOTS Smoke rises during airstrikes on the Syrian town of Ain al-Arab, known as Kobane by the Kurds, seen from the Turkish-Syrian border in the southeastern village of Mursitpinar, Sanliurfa province, on October 8, 2014. The Pentagon warned on October 8, 2014 US air power on its own could not prevent Islamic State jihadists from capturing the Syrian border town of Kobane, even as US warplanes kept up bombing raids in the area. AFP PHOTO / ARIS MESSINIS
Published October 9, 2014 at 6:05 PM
Updated November 14, 2014 at 2:18 PM

The fight against ISIL terrorists is escalating as the US-led coalition increased airstrikes on the Syrian border town of Kobane. Amid street battles with Kurdish forces, ISIL has called for reinforcements. CCTV America’s Michal Bardavid reports from the Turkey-Syria border.

Turkish military tanks have been stationed at the border for some time now. Kurds in Turkey were furious that the tanks had not advanced into Kobane, a short distance away.

Hundreds of Kurds also gathered for a mass funeral at the border town of Suruc, Turkey. The victims were 10 Kurdish fighters who were killed in Kobane while fighting ISIL earlier this week. Anti-government slogans were heard throughout the ceremony. Many believe the peace process that began in 2013 between the Kurds and the Turkish government is now in jeopardy.

Across the country, Kurds also violently protested the Turkey’s perceived inaction in Kobane over the last two days. Protesters vandalized buildings and cars. The death toll on Thursday reached at least 20.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned that those responsible for the violent acts across the country will be held accountable. However Kurds in Suruc have vowed that more is yet to come if Turkey does not take military action in Kobane soon.

CCTV America interviewed Ambassador Adam Ereli, a former U.S. ambassador to Bahrain who is currently the vice chair of Mercury, a public strategy firm, about the situation.