‘Self-defence is a moral duty for everyone’

The invading Turkish state continues its attacks on North and East Syria, and resorts to special war methods to disturb the peace in the region and to force the people to abandon their lands.

Speaking to ANHA, local security forces called on all people to strengthen self-defence organisations, and stressed it is a moral and humanitarian responsibility for the youth to join the self-defence ranks.

‘They intend to evacuate the region’

İbrahim Şawiş, one of the commanders of the Self-Defence Border Defence Division, said, “The Turkish state threatens North and East Syria. It has activated its secret cells and conducts brutal attacks in order for people to abandon their lands. In response, self-defence forces resist to frustrate the Turkish state’s attacks. Self-defence forces protect all peoples and belief groups in the region. Hegemonic forces constantly attack the self-defence forces to weaken society.”

‘National unity is needed’

Stressing that people should stand in solidarity, İbrahim Şawiş continued, “We should be cautious against discordance attempts by external forces and strengthen our unity against the Turkish state. Now, our lands have been under serious attacks from all sides. It is time to stop the attacks. Previously, people used to serve in the Damascus government’s army. Now we should be present in the ranks of our military forces. We should defend North and East Syria.”

Lastly, İbrahim Şawiş stressed that they would keep their promise of self-defence against the enemy.

‘Everyone should join the self-defence forces’

Berivan Ehmed, a member of the Self-Defence Forces, said that the Turkish state, through these attacks, aims to occupy North and East Syria.

“In the face of the threats, I joined the self-defence forces to support the YPG/YPJ [People’s and Women’s Defence Units] and SDF [Syrian Democratic Forces]. We will resist until we frustrate the invasion attacks. All women are responsible for self-defence; this is not a business of only men. Everyone living in these lands should join the self-defence forces.”

Nizar Ehmed Tean, commander of Martyr Ayaz Self-Defence Unit, pointed out the solidarity of the people and said, “Since the first day of the Syrian crisis, Kurdish, Arab, Circassian, Assyrian and Syriac peoples have taken a common stance against the threats. Peoples have created a great solidarity. The youth of North and East Syria should join the self-defence ranks against the threats to frustrate the attacks. We will resist until we frustrate the attacks.”

Also, Nermin Remo, a member of the Self-Defence Forces, stated that she joined the ranks in order to defend North East Syria, adding, “Basing on the fraternity of peoples in the region, we should struggle for a free Kurdistan and a democratic Syria.”