ISIS gangs caught in the SDF’s ongoing Cizire Storm are headed towards the end. YPJ fighters in the frontlines in the war against ISIS create epic victories that will be an example for the world.

Hasret Kobanê and Amara Rênas Ferhat are among the fighters who inspire fear in the enemy in the villages and deserts of Deir ez-Zor with Kalashnikovs at hand, faith in their hearts and hope in their eyes.

“WE ARE LOCKED ON TO FREEDOM”

YPJ fighters were the ones to break the intense ISIS attack of the recent weeks in the Deir ez-Zor operation. The SDF was surrounded for some 20 days, and were able to get out thanks to YPJ members fighting in the frontlines.

Hasret Kobanê joined the YPJ in 2016. She talks about this victory in a humble way: “The gangs attacked with heavy weapons and explosive laden vehicles in the morning. We had previously taken position and we broke this attack. We are fighting for the freedom and welfare of our people. We don’t want our people to be forced to migrate. We would like the ones who did migrate to return. Our only goal is to protect our lands, achieve freedom and destroy the enemy. We are locked on to this.”

“EVERYBODY FIGHTS WITH THE COMRADERY SPIRIT”

Hasret Kobanê said they overcome all hardship through comradery and added: “With Arabs, Syriacs, Turkmens, Armenians, Kurds and internationals from many other countries we stand shoulder to shoulder. Strong ties of comradery have formed among us. Everybody is fighting with the spirit of comradery to liberate the people under oppression.”

“WE GIVE OUR LIVES FOR WOMEN’S FREEDOM”

Amara Rênas Ferhat came to Rojava two years ago from Amed where she was living. She participated in the Manbij and Tabqa operations and now she’s in the Deir ez-Zor operation.

Amara also said she decided to join after she saw the tyranny of ISIS against women: “Women getting rid of slavery is very important for us. With our faith in freedom, we fight with all we can. We give our lives for this.”

“MY COMRADE SPRINGS TO THE FRONT FOR ME”

Amara said the following while talking about the comradery spirit that affected her deeply: “The thing that touched me the most is my comrades springing to the front for me in the positions fighting the enemy. During an attack on the enemy or operations to liberate the people, we push in front of each other, we protect each other with a heartfelt love. What frightens the enemy is our love for each other. Mothers come running and crying to us, they say ‘God bless you, you saved us from ISIS gangs’ and they hug us. This is how our love reflects on them.”

Both fighters say they will continue to fight the ISIS ideology that enslaves women after the Deir ez-Zor operation.

* This article by Erem Kansoy first appeared on Yeni Özgür Politika newspaper and was translated by ANF English service.