Toward the end of 2024, the Turkish state and its affiliated Syrian National Army (SNA) proxies launched a large-scale offensive to seize Tishrin Dam, employing advanced military technology. In response, fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have been putting up unprecedented resistance at Tishrin Dam for over two months, defending both the people and the land of North-East Syria. 

The local population has also mobilized to support the resistance, standing alongside the fighters. Since 8 January, people have been going in convoys to the Tishrin Dam to take shifts and stand guard.

The Turkish state and allied mercenaries have carried out repeated attacks against civilians in the Tishrin area since the launch of the popular resistance, killing dozens of civilians and injuring more.

The civilians in the area were targeted by a kamikaze drone attack by the Turkish state on Saturday, 15 February. The attack at 11:58 killed journalist Egîd Roj and injured a group of civilians, the SDF Press Center reported.

The Hawar News Agency (ANHA) released a message written by Egîd Roj before his death. The journalist writes about his memories, determination and hopes before he was murdered by the occupying Turkish state:

“I am writing my last words to you from the heart of the war. The sound of bombs is destroying everything around me. In our immaculate land, which has always been the source of our strength and hope, I am writing to you from the window that only those who are here can see, from heroism that has not yet been written in books. The resistance in the mountains of Afrin, in the camps of Shehba, and now at the Tishrin Dam, has been the expression of the highest patience and willpower that will remind me of every moment, every heartbeat, every look of our heroes who have been fighting to keep our dream alive.

Yet, in the midst of this darkness, there is a light in the heart of every resisting person. There is a wave of hope that never dies. Yes, I may not see victory for myself, but I believe that one day my city of Afrin will be free. Afrin, which has born the traces of civilization and dignity throughout its history, has been the scene of the highest level of resistance against the most ruthless forces of injustice. From here, from the dam resistance, I say to you: do not despair, do not let despair enter your hearts, because success will surely come.

The streets of Afrin will be filled with enthusiasm and hope, just like in the old happy days. I hope its children will return without fear, play in their neighborhoods, the sun of freedom will shine on its mountains and disperse the darkness of occupation. Afrin, which I love with my heart and soul, has always been a source of inspiration for me. No matter how much time passes, this feeling will never end.

We nourish our hope for freedom from the ideas of Leader Abdullah Öcalan. We have learned from his idea that freedom is not just a slogan, but also an energy within us. Success is not easily achieved. But with a strong will, success will surely come.

I believe in the strength of the freedom fighters who carry the message of Leader Öcalan and open the gates of victory. These fighters, whose souls are connected to the idea of freedom and courage, will write the history of Kurdistan and Afrin.

I am writing to you with great excitement. There is still hope in the hearts of those who believe in life and freedom. Hope beats in the hearts of my mother, father, brothers, sisters, friends and relatives. You are the heroes who will carry the flag of freedom. You will end this darkness. You will illuminate Kurdistan and Afrin, you will realize our dream of return and victory.

To our struggling people, I wish you not to deviate from your goal. For 8 years we have been fighting to return to our land. A great sacrifice has been made. Afrin, its land and olives belong to its people. This resistance needs to be strengthened even more.

Friends, I was not only a journalist, I was also a witness of history and I will continue to be until the last moment of my life. I wish I could see Afrin liberated. But I believe that our people will experience this feeling of victory and return.”