IS vs Kurds
Basic Concept
ISIS
An extremist group that tried to create an Islamic state in Iraq and Syria
Kurds
An ethnic group living in Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran
Some seek autonomy or independence
Why did they fight?
1️⃣ Territory
• ISIS wanted to control large areas
• Kurds defended their homeland
2️⃣ Ideology
• ISIS: extreme Islamist rule
• Kurds: generally more secular and autonomous
3️⃣ Survival
• ISIS targeted minorities, including Kurds
• Kurds fought to protect their people and land
#IS
#Kirds
Key Battles
Kobani (2014)
Kurdish forces (YPG) stopped ISIS
Kirkuk
Kurdish Peshmerga fought ISIS in Iraq
International Role
Kurds were supported by the U.S. and allies
ISIS was considered a global enemy
Outcome
ISIS lost most of its territory by 2019
Kurds gained military recognition, but
independence is still unresolved
ISIS and the Kurds fought over territory, ideology, and survival.
#BattleofKobani