On the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Syrian Democratic Forces, the General Command extends its deepest pride and congratulations to the heroes and heroines of the SDF, and to the people in North and East Syria and throughout the country, who together formed the foundation of this comprehensive national project, which emerged from the will of the people and their belief in their right to a free and dignified life.
In a statement on the occasion, SDF General Command said the following:
“Our forces were founded on the legacy and sacrifices of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), during the darkest periods Syria experienced, when chaos prevailed, fronts disintegrated, and terrorism swept across vast areas of the country. Our forces were the voice of reason in times of strife, the project of unity in times of fragmentation, and the bulwark of dignity in the face of terrorism and extremism.
At a time when many forces were drifting toward civil war, the Syrian Democratic Forces chose a different path: the path of defending the homeland and its people. Its flag was not raised for narrow self-interests; it proved to be a purely national force, belonging to all Syrian communities, fighting in the name of and for the Syrian people.
Over the course of a decade, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have made tremendous sacrifices, shedding the blood of thousands of martyrs who liberated cities and villages from the clutches of ISIS and protected millions of civilians from genocide and displacement. The SDF fought in the trenches in defense of the values that unite Syrians, sowing safety where death had been, and building life where terrorism had left its mark.
The battles of our forces against terrorism were not merely military confrontations; they were battles for existence, dignity, and moral integrity. They fought in defense of all humanity, shouldering the responsibility of protecting Syria from disintegration and collapse, and proving to the world that the will of a free people is capable of triumphing over darkness.
With its national and democratic project, the SDF established a unique model of self-governance and civil administration, based on freedom, equality, social justice, and the participation of all communities without discrimination. This project was not an alternative to Syria, but rather a path toward a democratic Syria, free from both tyranny and terrorism.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have become today a pillar of stability and security in North and East Syria, an effective partner in international efforts to combat terrorism, and a responsible political and military force respected domestically and internationally. Their active presence in all arenas guarantees the protection of Syrians’ gains against all attempts at fragmentation and subordination.
On this historic occasion, we remember our righteous martyrs who wrote the epic of freedom with their blood. We renew our pledge to them and to our people that the SDF will remain faithful to the principles upon which it was founded: defending the people, preserving the dignity of the homeland, and continuing the struggle until a free, democratic, and secure Syria is built for all its people.”