A vigil is taking place at the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates in solidarity with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ). Numerous people from the autonomous regions of North and East Syria are taking part in the action, which began late on Wednesday evening as an act of solidarity with the fighters confronting attacks by the Turkish state and allied mercenaries of the SNA (Syrian National Army). Following a call by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, people mobilized to protect the dam, which is one of the most important lifelines of North and East Syria.

The Tishrin Dam, located about 30 kilometres southeast of Manbij, has been the focus of an offensive by the Turkish army and its jihadist group ‘Syrian National Army’ (SNA) since the beginning of December. Their aim is to push the SDF back from the western side of the Euphrates in order to be able to attack Kobanê, which lies to the east, more easily. Warning against the collapse of the dam, the Autonomous Administration fears a ‘devastating flood’ as well as a humanitarian and ecological catastrophe with effects as far as Iraq, should the dam break as a result of the damage caused by the bombing.

In protest against the continued attacks on the dam defended by the SDF, several thousand people from various cities in northern and eastern Syria travelled to the dam yesterday. Turkish drones attacked the convoy of hundreds of cars, leaving three people dead and 15 others injured, some seriously. The People's Councils nevertheless continued their action. Hundreds of residents of the autonomous region have been holding a vigil on the dam site since yesterday evening. It is not yet clear how long the vigil will last.

Speaking to ANF, resident Îbrahîm Ebdi said, “Our water and electricity have been cut off for about a month due to the attacks by the occupying Turkish state. The Tishrin Dam is at great risk. It may collapse at any moment and flood our cities, endangering the lives of millions of people. These lands, waters and dams are ours and those who protect and fight for them are our sons and daughters. The attack on the convoy was meant to intimidate us, but never for a moment did we think of turning back. We are here, we are determined. We will not allow occupation, no matter the cost. Victory will belong to the people.”

Another resident, Edûl Mehmûd Xêrzada, said, “We are participating in the resistance in Tishrin. We were targeted directly dozens of times. Our people were massacred, but we did not step back. We have existed thanks to our resistance and we will achieve victory thanks to it. The Tishrin Dam belongs to the peoples of North and East Syria. We will continue to resist in Tishrin. We resist and fight for freedom.”

Fathi Mislim said, “We are here to protect the Tishrin Dam. If we fail, our lives will be in danger. Just as we achieved victory with our resistance in Kobanê in 2014, we will achieve victory with our resistance in Tishrin in 2025. As an honourable people, we should protect our land and water and take sides with the SDF's resistance. The day is the day to defend our lands, to protect our gains and not to give up our freedom.”