Participation in Shengal defense forces, predominantly Êzîdî units that were formed after the ISIS occupation of Shengal on 3 August 2014, continues increasingly.

Three sisters that joined YPJ Shengal after ISIS gangs’ occupation of the town called on Shengal youth to join their resistance. The participation of 3 sisters in YPJ Shengal made an impression on everyone.

Dersim Shengal Kawa, one of the 3 sisters who spoke to ANF, said that they became comrades after joining YPJ Shengal forces.

KAWA: OUR GOAL IS TO AVENGE KIDNAPPED WOMEN

Dersim Shengal Kawa stated that their goal had always been avenging Êzîdî people and women who were kidnapped or massacred by ISIS gangs. Kawa said that they were determined to resist future massacre attempts and liberate Shengal so that Kurdish people can forget the massacre. Kawa called upon everyone to join the liberation of Shengal, no matter what her religion, race or language may be.

‘WE REPLACED QUESTION MARKS WITH FAITH AND HOPE’

Berîtan Sozdar, one of the 3 sisters, said that she had been resisting ISIS terror for 11 months. Sozdar stated that there was nothing more painful than being captive in your own land, and it would be meaningless to sit at home and wait for another attack in times of occupation.

Sozdar reminded that Êzîdî people endured 73 massacres and stated it was now time for Êzîdîs to protect themselves. Sozdar said that it was predominantly women who were massacred and kidnapped, and this led her to join YPJ Shengal and avenge these women. Sozdar stated that the people of Shengal did not initially understand why 3 sisters would join YPJ, but the sisters soon replaced question marks with faith and hope. Sozdar’s 2 brothers joined YPG, one is now in Shengal Mountain and the other one is on the Rojava border.

Sozdar stated that their hope gave people of Shengal a slight happiness, and the 3 sisters would sacrifice their lives if need be. Sozdar said that as an Êzîdî women, she could not have abandoned the women of Shengal. Sozdar stated that women were not powerless and could develop themselves both militarily and ideologically. Sozdar promised Êzîdî people that she would fight for them until her last drop.

‘WE WOULD SACRIFICE OUR LIVES BUT NOT GIVE UP ON SHENGAL’

Rûken Munzur, one of the 3 sisters, said that she joined YPJ Shengal in order to prevent future massacre attempts and ease the pains of Shengal residents. Munzur stated that the sisters promised to liberate Shengal and protect Êzîdî people for the rest of their lives in order to ensure the liberation of the 4 parts of Kurdistan. Munzur said that they have not left Shengal since the massacre that took place last year, and would not leave until the town is liberated. Munzur emphasized that they would not give up on Shengal, and called on Êzîdî people, particularly the youth, to join their ranks in order to prevent further massacre attempts.