At a time when ISIS–HTS and Turkish–affiliated armed factions have intensified their attacks on the region, the call for mobilization in North and East Syria continues to resonate across many areas of social life. As security threats escalate, not only the defense forces but also the local population are becoming actively involved with a spirit of mobilization.
Alongside the fighters stationed on the defense lines, residents of neighborhoods and villages are also establishing solidarity networks to the extent of their means. Many people—especially women, youth, and the elderly—are carrying out voluntary efforts to meet the basic needs of those standing guard and of the defense forces.
A shopkeeper who runs a store in the city of Hesekê stands out as a concrete example of this solidarity. Every evening, the resident goes from one defense and guard post to another, distributing basic food items such as bread, water, and halva.
Stating that he sees solidarity as a duty, the shopkeeper explained why he is taking part in the mobilization process as follows: “I visit the guard posts every day. We go to see our people who are defending the land against armed factions. Standing with our people is our duty. Whatever we have in our shop, we share it every day.”