Since 8 December 2024, the Turkish state and its proxies have been launching attacks on Tishrin Dam and the Qerekozax Bridge. In response, the people of Northern and Eastern Syria initiated a sit-in protest on 8 January, which continued uninterrupted.

Residents from the Jazira, Raqqa, Tabqa, and Euphrates cantons are taking turns in the sit-in. Meanwhile, the Turkish state and its proxies continue their relentless attacks on the protesters as well as the dam. On the first day of the protest, Turkish warplanes targeted a civilian convoy. This assault resulted in the killing of five citizens and the injury of fifteen others. Despite the attacks, the people remain steadfast and continue their protest with determination.

On Wednesday, Turkish forces again targeted a convoy from the Euphrates canton that was heading to the dam to join the protest. Despite repeated airstrikes, the convoy reached the dam. However, the Turkish state once again attacked the crowd at the dam, killing four more citizens and injuring 19 others.

Protesters at Tishrin Dam spoke to ANF, emphasizing their determination to continue resisting the Turkish state's aggression.

"We will resist"

Şerzat Mihemed said: "Today, we are here defending our own land. As a young person from Kobanê, I can confidently say that we will never give up our resistance, no matter what. We have never occupied anyone else's land, nor have we attacked anyone. This is our land. We will either live freely on this land or continue to resist."

"Kurds will never surrender"

 A citizen named Doğam said that Erdoğan has no rights over these lands, and added: "According to all international laws, targeting dams is a crime. Yet, the Turkish state targets our dam every single day. If this dam is destroyed today, dozens of residential areas will be submerged. Does no one see this? The Turkish state claims to ensure the safety of the Turkish people. But what about the safety of the Kurdish and Arab peoples? Every day, they kill, attack, and occupy. This is our land, our dam, and Erdoğan has no say here. This is our land, and we will never abandon our fight. If international human rights truly exist, they must take a stand against what is happening here. Because their silence only legitimizes these actions. Let everyone know that the Kurds will never surrender."

Edlê Romi said that the Tishrin Dam was liberated with the blood of thousands of Kurdish young people, and drew attention to the Turkish state’s ongoing attacks, saying that the Turkish state could never break the will of the Kurdish people. "Despite everything, we will continue this resistance," he said.

Mihemed Eli Şêx added: "For weeks, there has been huge resistance on these lands. The Turkish state has been bombing the people for days, committing massacres. These lands and Tishrin Dam were liberated with the blood of our children. We will never allow the Turkish state to occupy these lands."

Ezedîn Şêx said: "In full view of the entire world, the Turkish state is waging a genocidal war against the Kurds. Erdoğan has openly declared his intention to bury the Kurdish people along with all their achievements. The sole purpose of the Turkish state is to annihilate the Kurds, commit massacres, and seize control of the entire region. This war is not only against the Kurdish people; it targets all the people of the region. That is why today, at Tishrin Dam, we are resisting Erdoğan’s occupation attacks alongside all communities of Northern and Eastern Syria. Our resistance will continue. Erdoğan will never achieve his ambitions over our lands."