ANF continues to follow the ongoing resistance in the war tunnels at the Tishrin Dam. The movement of the fighters within the tunnels never ceases. In this relentless resistance, we bear witness to the stories and experiences of many fighters.

It is extremely important to convey even the smallest story, the tiniest experience, of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) fighters involved in this historic struggle. War has always been a concept shaped by definitions. Countless powers, armies, and states have devised various strategies and tactics for war. However, it is crucial to accurately and thoroughly describe the resistance and struggle of the fighters in Tishrin.

Looking back at the wars in history, we see many victories achieved despite immense difficulties. The words "challenges" and "impossibilities" may seem ordinary or even meaningless at times. Yet, in the heat and hardships of war, these words resonate with a profound depth that is deeply felt. 

Challenges and impossibilities help us understand the true essence of war and resistance. The unique resistance at the Tishrin Dam vividly illustrates the reality of these words. Fighters from the SDF and YPJ, as well as from the Manbij Military Council continue their struggle against the occupying Turkish state and its proxies within the war tunnels of the Tishrin Dam. Despite immense challenges and obstacles, the fighters never surrender to the obstacles before them. Harsh conditions and impossibilities have become an integral part of their lives. In the resistance tunnels, fighters often struggle to meet their basic needs, including water, food, and other essentials. They work to procure limited supplies of dry bread, tea, sugar, tahini, and similar necessities under extremely constrained circumstances. However, amidst these difficulties, an extraordinary spirit of solidarity prevails among the fighters. Despite the hardships, their focus remains on a singular question: "What tactics and methods can we use to overcome the enemy?"

A resistance filled with the great sacrifices of fighters

The sacrifices of the fighters on the frontlines and within the war tunnels of Tishrin are remarkable in every sense. Amidst this arduous war, there are occasionally interesting and joyful moments among the fighters.

I was walking through the tunnel alongside the fighters. In one section, some fighters were preparing ammunition and delivering it to the necessary positions. Another group was organizing logistical supplies. When I continued walking, two YPJ fighters appeared ahead of me. These two fighters were preparing supplies for the frontline positions. The heavy weight of their loads was evident, and moving through the tunnels with such burdens posed significant challenges. However, there was a unique competition between the two YPJ fighters over who would carry the heavier load. Both were eager to take on the burden. The materials they had prepared passed back and forth between them until one of the fighters finally took the load and allowed the other to rest. Together, they continued on their way to the frontlines. As they walked, their conversation and light laughter echoed through the tunnels.

As I continued my walk through the tunnels, another group of fighters appeared ahead of me. These fighters were cleaning the inside and surroundings of the tunnel. Despite the hardships of war and conflict, they remained committed to maintaining the necessities of life and keeping their environment clean. As I kept walking and reached the entrance of the tunnel, I stopped and heard the sound of drones overhead. It was identified as a low-flying reconnaissance aircraft, attempting to pinpoint the fighters' location. Another aircraft passed by, and this time, the sound of warplanes belonging to the occupying Turkish state was heard.I watched the fighters; they calmly and methodically continued their tasks as if nothing had happened. This was a clear testament to their willpower and unwavering belief in their cause.

The defining element in this struggle is the fighters' determination

In the tunnel, I encountered another group of fighters organizing the ammunition in front of them, preparing it to be sent to the frontlines. I asked one of the fighters, "What are you doing?" With a warm smile, he replied, "These gangs seem to have really liked the seeds our comrades sent them, so we decided to prepare even better ones and send them to the frontlines." Here, the "seeds" the fighters referred to were bullets. It was evident from their expressions and words that many occupying elements had been eliminated in the clashes. This drove the fighters to work even harder, preparing better ammunition to send to the frontlines. In the resistance tunnels of Tishrin, every step reveals unique stories and experiences. 

As I continued my walk through the tunnels, I came across another group of fighters. They seemed to be in a hurry, and from their tone of voice, it was clear that they were trying to carry an injured comrade to a safe location. A group of SDF fighters had brought wounded fighters from the frontlines.  Another group was providing first aid to their injured comrades and trying to help with their wounds. In the harsh and resource-limited conditions of war, tending to a fighter's wounds and alleviating their pain revealed the true struggle of this resistance. When the injured fighters reached the treatment area, other fighters immediately gathered around them, trying to provide help and support. Each of them was striving to ease the pain of their injured comrades. What was particularly striking and honorable, however, was that some fighters who were not medics did everything they could to boost the morale of their wounded companions.