Since 8 January, civilians from North-East Syria have been holding a vigil at the Tishrin Dam to protect their territory alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Women's Defense Units (YPJ) who are confronting attacks by the Turkish army and allied mercenaries called the Syrian National Army (SNA) ongoing since 2024.

Every day, people from different walks of life go to the dam to provide moral support and defend it. Women and mothers are at the heart of the popular resistance. The vigil was taken over by people from Raqqa, Tabqa and Deir ez-Zor on Friday. Mehmûd Mihemed Elî, who is 85 years old and participating in the vigil for the eighth time, emphasized that they will protect their land no matter the cost.

Speaking to ANHA, Mehmûd Mihemed Elî said, “We will support our children who are fighting. No matter how difficult it gets, I will continue the resistance until my last breath. I walk with a walking stick, but I am still here, standing tall.”

Mehmûd Mihemed Elî added, “I draw my strength from my belief in this land. We have endured the harshest days, the cold, and severe illnesses here. My family and I have been wounded here. But we have never surrendered, and we have remained standing until today. Our morale is high; we will not be defeated. My resistance has given strength to my relatives, and they have joined the resistance here. We will remain here until victory.”