Villagers are returning to the village of Zaret, on the banks of the Euphrates opposite the town of Jarablus, after its liberation from ISIS gangs. The returning residents are being organised into self defence units to protect the village against possible ISIS infiltration.

The village of Zaret, 40 kilometres to the west of Kobanê city, is a strategic point. Returning residents of the village, with a population of around 600, are joining newly formed defence units supervised by the YPG/YPJ forces.

53-year-old Bekirê Hemê, who fled to the province of Antep after ISIS gangs launched their assault, said: "After the village was liberated by the YPG/YPJ forces, I came back to take my place in the defence force.”  Bekirê Hemê said the gangs had broken all the doors in the village and ransacked and plundered the residents’ belongings. He added that they had also stolen around 100 vehicles from the village. Bekirê Hemê said: "In order to prevent these gangs ever again carrying out plunder, I will stay here and act together with the YPG/YPJ forces.”