The Command of the Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) issued a statement on the 11th anniversary of Shengal’s liberation.
Marking the eleventh anniversary of the Yazidi people’s heroic resistance that freed Shengal from ISIS gangs, the statement said that the August 3rd massacre left a deep wound in the conscience of all humanity.
The statement continued: “The magnitude of the threat to the existence of the Yazidi people and all peoples longing for freedom is clearly evident. However, thanks to the organizational structures we have built, the developing will to live, our loyal military units and the inspiration we draw from Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas and philosophy, our path of resistance, organization and a free life has reached victory.
The statement noted that, thanks to the efforts of the hundreds of YBŞ and YJŞ fighters who fell as martyrs, an autonomous administration and a spirit of resistance were established, and added: “As we enter the second decade of liberation, threats continue and the enemy, led by the occupying Turkish state and its allies, keeps targeting our gains and the symbols of our struggle. But just as we defeated ISIS gangs in the mountains and plains, today we will also nullify all attempts at occupation and betrayal with greater organization, awareness and unwavering resistance.”
The statement commemorated “with gratitude our martyrs who defended Shengal’s lands with their blood in the person of Dilşêr, Egîd, Nûjîn, Medya, Berxwedan, Argêş and Saîd. These heroes are the living conscience of our people; we will use our strength and determination to protect our society and our gains.”
The statement added: “Therefore our people should know this: preserving this great heritage is a collective responsibility that rests on all our shoulders.
Organization, unity and legitimate defense are the guarantee of a future without decrees and without tragedy. Let the 11th anniversary of Shengal’s liberation be an opportunity to strengthen our ranks, to reaffirm the promises we made to our martyrs and to continue our efforts to build a free and democratic society.”