Kurdish officials and activists say ISIS has almost been completely expunged from Kobani, a critical town on Turkey’s border with Syria. “The Islamic State is on the verge of defeat,” said senior Kurdish official Idriss Nassan. “Their defenses have collapsed and its fighters have fled.” Kobani held logistical and symbolic significance for ISIS. The Muslim extremist group at one point had such tight control over Kobani that it made a video of hostage John Cantlie touring the town to show how far it had gained control.
