The people of Tabqa’s Kassara neighborhood are now more free and safe on their own streets. The people have found the hope to live again and say that their dignity was also saved.

The fighters ensure the safety of the people in situ in Tabqa’s Kassara neighborhood. The people stayed in the neighborhood and now the SDF fighters are with them. Ahmet and Muhammed Luhsen brothers point out: “Now we can go outside our doors freely, we walk on our streets freely.”

Kassara is one of the neighborhoods in Tabqa that have been recently cleared off ISIS. The fighters chose to remain in their positions because it makes the residents feel safe. Children are the ones who enjoy their freedom the most in the neighborhood. They are happy playing together and having fun. All have learned to make the victory sign, and they all seem to love it. Having the fighters among them gives them both a sense of safety and a hope to hold on to life again. As the adults walk the streets, what they enjoy the most is smoking, which ISIS had banned. Many are requesting cigarettes, possibly in a display of their anger.

ISIS LEFT NO HUMAN DIGNITY

Neighborhood residents Ahmet and Muhammed Luhsen brothers spoke to the ANF about their experience: “ISIS left us no human dignity. They intervened in all areas of life. They used bans and punishments. We ended up unable to walk our streets freely, or use the doors to our homes as we wished. They policed our clothing, our appearance, our shave. Not only did they take our freedom away, but they also made us needy. We were left wanting for bread.

IT WAS A DUNGEON FOR OUR WOMEN

Our women experienced a dungeon life during the time of ISIS. They had to dress all in black. Those who didn’t comply were punished. We are grateful for the SDF fighters who saved us from ISIS tyranny. Now we live alongside them. Thanks to SDF fighters, we started walking freely on our streets and in front of our homes. Our women are saved from the dark, our children are happy. We know it will get better. We have been brought back to life. Our hope was resurrected.”