In his evaluation of Gire Spî’s liberation to ANF, PYD Co-President Saleh Moslem stated that ISIS gangs’ lifeblood has been cut with the victory. Moslem criticized the discourse of Erdoğan and some AKP officials on the liberation of Gire Spî, and said that it was now time to get rid of Kurdphobia. At the end of the Commander Rubar Qamişlo Initiative, Gire Spî (Tel Abyad) was cleared of ISIS gangs and the cantons of Kobanê and Cizîre were united by YPG-YPJ and Burkan El Fırat forces after 2 years of ISIS occupation.

‘ISIS’ LIFEBLOOD HAS BEEN CUT’

In his statement, Moslem emphasized the multi-dimensional importance of Girê Spî’s liberation and the union of Kobanê and Cizîre cantons, and said that ISIS’ lifeblood has been cut and the 2 years-old embargo on Rojava has been weakened. Moslem emphasized the logistical importance of the town for ISIS gangs in Syria and said that the operation will prevent the transportation of future aid into ISIS hands. Moslem said that the Akçakale border gate will no longer function as an ISIS headquarter and be controlled by YPG and united forces.

‘TURKEY MUST GET RID OF ITS KURDPHOBIA’

PYD Co-President criticized the discourse of Erdoğan and some AKP officials on the liberation of Gire Spî, and said that it was now time to abandon the position of defending ISIS and get rid of Kurdphobia. Moslem highlighted the harmony and diversity of life in Rojava, and said that they never formed a threat against Turkey. Moslem stated that the Turkish fear of YPG is unnecessary and that they are determined to ensure the security of people on both sides of the Turkish-Rojava border.

‘PROTECTING CIVILIANS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A YPG PRIORITY’

Moslem stated that the news of civilians being victimized by YPG is part of a smear and anti-propaganda campaign carried out by forces that are not pleased by YPG power and influence in the region. Moslem said that protecting civilians has always been a YPG priority, and that they even defeated ISIS’ attempts to use civilians as human shields. Müslim added that YPG has also been calling on civilians to return to their homes but also be wary of mines and traps ISIS gangs left behind before the liberation of Gire Spî.

‘CIVILIAN ADMINISTRATION MUST BE FORMED IN TEL ABYAD’

Moslem said that a civilian administration must be formed in Tel Abyad once the town is fully cleared of gangs’ dangers. Müslim emphasized YPG efforts to ensure the return and protection of all civilians, and said that Tel Abyad would be a center of life where different peoples live equally and democratically. He criticized Turkey’s attempts to use civilians who have escaped ISIS brutality for its own political agenda, and said that civilians have been escaping war and brutality not just by seeking refuge in Turkey but also by going to places like Qamişlo. Moslem reminded that thousands of Arab refugees live in Kobanê and Afrin, and called on Turkey to stop using refugees' plights for security as some sort of political material.