Counter-Terrorism Units (Yekîneyên Antî Teror – YAT) General Commander Destina Kobanê told ANF that those who seek to attack, destroy, and leave people defenseless and leaderless are trying to impose disarmament, added, “When a lasting solution and peace are achieved, we will be the first to lay down our arms.”
As attacks by ISIS and other mercenary groups intensified, it became clear that a specialized force with military, political, and technical expertise needed to be established within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Accordingly, YAT was formed to protect the people and the lands of the region against ISIS attacks. The SDF also created special forces such as YAT and the Military Operations Forces (TOL), completing its transformation in the military sphere.
Destina Kobanê said: “The history of YAT is filled with great struggles marked by sacrifice and leadership. They resisted heroically in many battles, and their commanders reached the level of martyrdom. Against various tactical and special attacks targeting the region, including assaults on the areas of North and East Syria, YAT has always stood firm. YAT played a leading role in capturing and neutralizing many of ISIS’s leaders whose pasts were full of terror.”
ISIS reorganization thwarted
Destîna Kobanê said that YAT played a decisive role in fighting ISIS all the way to its last stronghold in Baghouz, helping to bring the group to total defeat. Destîna Kobanê added: “ISIS continued its activities in the region through cells. In response, YAT carried out numerous special operations in cooperation with International Coalition forces. Those operations targeted ISIS leaders and cells that posed a threat to society. In this process, many joint activities were conducted with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Counter-Terrorism Group (CTG). Within this framework, numerous moves were carried out against the Hol Camp in response to attempts by ISIS detainees in North and East Syria to escape, rise up, or commit massacres. These initiatives were prevented by YAT.”
An effective and well-equipped force
Although ISIS emerged as the main threat, Destîna Kobanê pointed to the presence of many forces that wish to attack and persecute North and East Syria. She said: “YAT fulfilled and led its role against these forces. YAT is organized across all North and East Syria territories and possesses a wide range of capabilities in both strategy and tactics; it operates as an effective and well-equipped force.”
Women’s presence within YAT
Destîna Kobanê emphasized that YAT forces consist of both men and women, noting that women serve within the structure as part of the Women’s Protection Units Counter-Terrorism Force (YPJ YAT) and hold positions in command, battalion leadership, and administration. She said: “Women play a leading role. Their presence in special operations and specialized training is particularly prominent. To become a member of such a comprehensive force, one must undergo rigorous physical, intellectual, and psychological preparation. The women within YAT have successfully completed this process. They stand out through their understanding of technical, tactical, operational, and special activities.”
YAT protects all peoples
Pointing to YAT’s technical and tactical expertise, gained through its participation in numerous operations and clashes, Commander Kobanê said: “YAT was established as a force against oppression and terror. However, today, especially following the fall of the Ba’ath regime, a vacuum has emerged in Syria, resulting in the reappearance of oppression and terror. A serious political and security void has developed, paving the way for ISIS to reorganize once again. From Damascus to Idlib, Deir ez-Zor (Dêrazorand Jarablus, ISIS has formed new networks. As the Counter-Terrorism Units, we are ready to take all necessary actions and steps to protect all the peoples of Syria, regardless of which powers may be behind these threats. The Counter-Terrorism Units exist to protect everyone.”
Perspective of the SDF General Command
While many groups continue to arm themselves and prepare for war, Kobanê noted that the SDF are striving to advance a peaceful resolution. She said: “We are ready for whatever perspective the SDF General Command provides. At present, the SDF is calling for the unity of Syria, a unity that must be based on protecting the rights of all components of society and ensuring their self-administration. If these rights are guaranteed in the constitution, no component will be excluded or treated as a minority; all communities will represent an essential part of Syria.”
Constitutional guarantee for the rights of all components
Destina Kobanê said no one will accept a centrally governed state as before and continued: “Within Syria’s unity, the rights of all components must be constitutionally recognized. The forces that want Syria to be divided are those that continue denial. Those who demand everyone surrender their arms and give up are the ones who want Syria to be partitioned. If no one’s rights are recognized, if they are denied and subjected to massacres, uprisings will emerge and unity in Syria cannot be established. This is a problem for all of Syria. The Autonomous Administration and the SDF have been self-governing for more than 12 years, and cooperation is needed for a solution.”
We are prepared for every kind of attack
Destina Kobanê said YAT is ready to do whatever is necessary to resolve the Syrian issue and underlined: “Those who now demand that we lay down our arms want to deny us, attack us, and destroy us. They do not want us to self-govern or to have self-defense. When hostility ends and a lasting solution and peace are achieved, we will be the first to lay down our arms. We are also prepared for any attack against our land and our people. We are ready to defend North and East Syria and all of Syria. A committee has been formed to conduct negotiations with the Syrian Transitional Government, and any decision that committee takes is fundamental for us as well. To date, we have not received an official request to defend all Syrian territories. If the SDF General Command gives us such a perspective, we are ready for it, our strength and professionalism are sufficient.”