Young people in Qamishlo reaffirm determination to protect their land

As a result of the attacks carried out by the Turkish state and its gangs on Shehba and Tall Refaat on 29 November, the people who were forced to migrate from the region on 2 December were settled in safe areas of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria. The attacks on Shehba and Tall Reefat have once again put the people of Afrin in a difficult situation and have also led to a growing wave of migration.

Speaking to the ANF, the young people of Qamishlo expressed their support for the people who were forcibly displaced and their determination to protect their lands.

‘Our duty is to defend our lands’

Cûdî Îbrahîm said: “The attacks carried out on Shehba and Tall Reefat in recent days have once again put the people of Afrin in a difficult situation and caused them to migrate again. We condemn these attacks and reaffirm that we stand with everyone who shares the pain experienced by the people in this region. As young people, our fundamental duty is to defend our lands and provide support to our displaced people. It should not be forgotten that we are the real owners of this country’s land. We must take responsibility for the construction of the future and act with this awareness.”

‘We stand with the SDF and the Autonomous Administration’

Îbrahîm added: “Participating in the mobilization declared by the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria is the primary duty of all young people. Every young person must do their part to protect the city, street, neighborhood and home they live in. In a process where the task is so critical, protecting our lands is not only the responsibility of the SDF or the Autonomous Administration, but of all of us.”

‘Let’s fight together for our future’

Îbrahîm continued: “In these difficult times, it is necessary for young people to join the mobilization and act in social solidarity. We must fight to defend the rights of the people of Afrin, and we must work together for a stronger future, not forgetting what happened in the past. We invite all our young people to take part in this struggle and act in a spirit of solidarity. Let’s fight together for our future.”

Many students had to stop schooling because of the attacks

Ferîşte Dawûd strongly condemned the attacks carried out against the people of Afrin who were displaced to Shehba, and said: “These people, who were forcibly displaced from their homes at least twice by the Turkish state and its gangs, have been pushed into a difficult situation. I am deeply saddened by this difficult process experienced by all my friends who had to stop schooling. Each attack negatively affects the education of young people and takes away their right to receive a healthy education. I strongly condemn this situation.

I share the pain of my people and will do my part to support them. We, young people, must not only continue our education, but also continue our resistance by standing by our people. We are determined to resist until the end and never leave our people alone. Protecting our lands is our most fundamental duty. For our future, we must stand together in solidarity and take a common stance against all kinds of attacks. Let us all come together in this struggle and work tirelessly for our future.”

‘We are fighting for a free and honorable life’

Sercan Sarîk said: “During this difficult process, the people of Afrin have been subjected to forced migration many times, and the lives of our people have been turned upside down from Aleppo to Qamishlo and from there to Dêrîk. However, it should not be forgotten that the people of Northern and Eastern Syria are brother communities that always share each other’s pain. As young people, we have declared mobilization for our displaced people. We are working to overcome this difficulty by coming together to meet all material and spiritual needs.

Young people will undertake various roles, from the military to politics and diplomatic activities, and will undertake the task of protecting their lands and increasing the struggle for freedom. Today is the day to defend our lands and fight against them. We wholeheartedly believe that as long as we resist in these lands, we will achieve victory.

Together, in solidarity and unity, we are taking determined steps to build our future. We are fighting together for our future, for a free and honorable life.”