Raqqa was liberated from ISIS occupation 7 years ago. People's Defence Units (YPG), Women's Defence Units (YPJ) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on 20 October 2017 that they completely liberated the city, known as the capital of ISIS, from ISIS.
This important day was celebrated today with the slogan ‘We liberated our city in the spirit of our martyrs; we will continue our struggle until we destroy the occupation and achieve full freedom’.
For the celebration to commemorate this historic victory, the Municipal Stadium in Raqqa was decorated with posters of martyrs and flags of the SDF, YPG, YPJ, HPC and Internal Security Forces. The celebration was attended by Sîham Qeryo, Co-Chair of the Democratic Peoples Assembly of North and East Syria, Gabrîel Şemûn, Co-Chair of the Executive Council, Hisên Osman, Co-Chair of the Autonomous Administration Council, tribal leaders and opinion leaders, as well as representatives of the Future of Syria Party, Zenûbiya Women's Community, Raqqa Military Council and many people from the canton.
During the celebration, which started with a minute of silence, Hisên Osman, Co-Chair of the Democratic Peoples' Assembly of Nort and East Syria, addressed the crowd. Osman congratulated the 7th anniversary of the liberation of Raqqa and said, “This victory was won with the determination and free will of the people of North and East Syria and the SDF fighters. The fighters have become a symbol of resistance all over the world with their great struggle and sacrifice in this liberation operation.”
Osman emphasised that the Democratic Autonomous Administration is determined to protect the gains of the region and destroy the mercenary cells and said, “The Autonomous Administration draws its strength from the unity and support of the peoples. Social honour based on the principles of democratic nation and brotherhood of peoples is our common destiny. We will continue to develop our city, strengthen its security and protect its free identity.”
Osman thanked the people of Raqqa and added: “Our people joined the reconstruction work by uniting around the Autonomous Administration and gave great support.”
The celebration continued with speeches on behalf of the Zenubiya Women's Community and the Raqqa Military Council, and various cultural and artistic events.