A large celebration was held on Monday at the municipal stadium in Raqqa to mark the eighth anniversary of the city’s liberation from the terrorist organization ISIS.
The celebration was attended by commanders of the military forces in the Euphrates region, representatives of the civil administration in Raqqa, and the city’s residents.
The ceremony began with a magnificent military parade by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Jamil Mazloum, a member of the SDF General Command in the Euphrates region, delivered a speech in which he congratulated the people of Raqqa and the participating forces on the anniversary of the liberation. He emphasized the sacrifices made by the martyrs to liberate Raqqa and transform it from the so-called capital of terrorism into a city of peaceful coexistence and a symbol of brotherhood.
This celebration marked the end of an era of darkness and allowed the city to begin rebuilding its life in all its glory.
Jamil Mazloum highlighted the national unity established by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) through the support of all components of the region during and after the battle to liberate Raqqa. He emphasized the role of the tribes and their solidarity with their sons fighting on the front lines, which formed the foundation for the liberation of the entire region from ISIS. He added that they are ready to build a decentralized, democratic Syria in which all people can participate. He stressed that they have adhered to the principle of national unity since the beginning of the revolution in North and East Syria, by demanding the rights of all components of the region.
The commander in the Euphrates region thanked everyone who contributed to and supported the SDF in liberating Raqqa from ISIS, especially the forces of the International Coalition to Combat Terrorism. He noted that Raqqa has witnessed remarkable development in all aspects, becoming an oasis of light and knowledge rather than a breeding ground for darkness and terrorism.
The celebration concluded with artistic performances, folkloric songs, and chants, particularly from Raqqa’s heritage.