The SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) and YPJ (Women’s Defense Units) fighters sent video footage from al-Aqtan Prison in Raqqa, where ISIS members are held.
The fighters stated that they have been putting up great resistance for two days against the intense attacks of the Turkish-backed HTS militias to protect the prison, saying, “Those who have committed crimes against humanity are being held in this prison. We have been fighting these mercenaries alongside the International Coalition forces for years. Mercenaries with the same mentality want to rescue their fellow militias here. We are putting up great resistance here. For two days, militias affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government and backed by the Turkish state have been attacking this prison with tanks, artillery, and heavy weapons, seeking to rescue their fellow mercenaries.”
The fighters addressed all of humanity, saying, “If these mercenaries leave here, they will pose a threat, not only to Syria but to all of humanity. We call on everyone to act responsibly to prevent this prison from falling into the hands of militias bearing the same mentality.”
The fighters said that two of their comrades had been killed and eight others wounded while defending the prison, stating, “We have made a promise and we will defend this place. We will put up great resistance here. We will resist until these militias are handed over to an international force. This is a humanitarian responsibility and it rests on all of our shoulders. For this reason, we call on the International Coalition to intervene here to prevent new crimes against humanity from being committed. Today, they released their fellow militias in Shaddadi. Then they accused our forces, claiming that the SDF had released them. We will resist here with great determination. Just as we have fought these mercenaries for 10 years, we will fight them now. We will resist to the last drop of our blood. We wish everyone success. “Serkeftin ya me ye. (Victory will be ours).”