Since September 28, the Turkish state and its proxies have intensified their attacks on North and East Syria. The Tishrin Dam and the Qereqozak region, in particular, have become the main targets of these attacks. The region holds strategic importance as it provides needed energy and water to the people, meaning the ongoing conflicts carry the risk of turning into a humanitarian disaster. This situation is causing great concern among the local population.

The occupying Turkish state and allied mercenaries of the so-called Syrian National Army (SNA) have been attacking the Tishrin Dam for 68 days. On January 8, the people of Northern and Eastern Syria joined the resistance of SDF and YPJ (Women’s Defense Units) fighters, holding a vigil in the Tishrin region.

YPJ fighter Delal Çiya said that they have been developing self-defense and confronting the attacks by the occupying Turkish state and its mercenaries on the front lines of Tishrin for more than two months. “The mercenaries of the occupying Turkish state have still not been able to achieve results despite their attacks from the air and land. Their attacks are definitely not going unanswered. They suffer a great defeat as a result of each of their attacks, and run away as if they regret attacking. YPJ fighters are putting up great resistance. Our will against this war is great. We are focused on victory. Victory will be ours.”

Delal Çiya saluted the resistance of the people holding vigil at the Tishrin Dam and stated: “The occupying Turkish state’s attacks against the people are proof of the deadlock experienced by the affiliated mercenaries. With attacks against the civilians, they seek to take revenge, but the peoples are insistent and assertive in defending and protecting their land, water and dam. The occupying Turkish state has no power left, it is breathing its last breaths and Tishrin will be their last breath.”

Drawing attention to the resistance of YPJ fighters, Delal Çiya concluded: “Just as YPJ has been a pioneer in every campaign and in every war environment, today it is also a pioneer in Tishrin. Their advanced technique could not break our resistance.

We continue our struggle. The peoples holding a vigil and participating in the resistance has been great morale for the fighters. The anger and hatred of peoples makes our anger and hatred grow even more. We will continue our resistance to ensure the security of the peoples and a stable life for them.”