He Resisted ISIS in Şengal — Now Faces Deportation in Switzerland

Baban Ali Ibrahim, who was severely wounded while fighting ISIS in Şengal and has been living in Switzerland for over nine years, has had his asylum application rejected. Facing the risk of deportation, Ibrahim was detained on 14 May and transferred to the deportation facility at Zurich Airport, where he was held for ten days. Thanks to public pressure generated by civil society organisations, he was released. Now, he is calling on the Swiss authorities to treat him and others in similar situations with fairness.

“I fought for humanity”

Born in 1991 in Sulaymaniyah, in Southern Kurdistan, Baban Ali Ibrahim joined the fight against ISIS in 2015 during the group’s brutal assault on Şengal, alongside a battalion led by the YPG. Recalling that many armed forces had withdrawn at the time, leaving civilians defenceless, Ibrahim said he joined the struggle out of a deep sense of moral duty.

“Women and children were being killed before our eyes. In that moment, we either defended what we call humanity or turned our backs on it. I couldn’t remain silent.”

He arrived in Switzerland after being severely wounded

During the most intense phase of the fighting, Ibrahim sustained severe injuries. Due to ongoing health issues, he came to Switzerland in 2016 to receive medical treatment. Though he has received considerable medical support over the past nine years, he says the psychological impact of war has never left him.

“They say the war is over — but not for me. The wounds were inflicted not only on my body but also on my soul. The psychological toll only worsened during my time in the asylum camp.”

First rejection in 2019, detention in 2025

Ibrahim’s asylum claim was first rejected by the Swiss authorities in 2019. On 14 May 2025, he was detained in the town of Lenzburg, in the canton of Aargau. He was then transferred to the deportation centre at Zurich Airport, where he remained in custody for ten days. Describing the experience as “a confrontation with the fear of death all over again,” Ibrahim said:

“My greatest fear was being sent back to Iraq. Especially given my medical condition, returning would be life-threatening. Going back would be a death sentence.”

Deportation threat deepens psychological trauma

Ibrahim acknowledges that the Swiss healthcare system has provided him with good treatment to date. Nevertheless, he says the ongoing threat of deportation has become a heavy psychological burden.

“I came here to heal. Now I find myself facing another life-threatening situation. This pressure only amplifies the trauma of war.”

“The Swiss state must see our humanity”

Ibrahim is not only speaking out for himself, but also for others awaiting decisions on their asylum claims. He stressed that the years of uncertainty they endure undermine human dignity.

“We are human beings. Living in limbo, waking up every day in fear of deportation — it’s a form of torture. We expect the Swiss state to take a just and humane approach.”

Gratitude for solidarity

Baban Ali Ibrahim expressed his gratitude to all the organisations and individuals who supported him through this difficult period, especially PangeaKolektif.

“Solidarity was vital. It gave me strength and kept me going.”

Interview: Mehmet Murat YILDIRIM
Photojournalist: Kamuran GÜN