13 years since July 19 Revolution: comprehensive chronological reading of change 

On July 19, 2012, the people of North and East Syria launched a revolution that changed the face of governance in the country, establishing a democratic model based on decentralization, pluralism, and autonomous administration. Despite the lack of international recognition, the revolution established an effective political and military presence, succeeded in defeating ISIS mercenaries, ensuring stability, and managing regional balances despite ongoing threats.

In its thirteenth year, the July 19 Revolution continues to consolidate its societal project amid an ongoing struggle for recognition and legitimacy. The following is a chronological documentation of its most important milestones and achievements between 2012 and 2025.

2012 - The Revolution Begins

March 26: Activist Kamal Hussein was martyred in a treacherous ambush by Ba'athist regime forces, becoming the first martyr of the Rojava Revolution.

July 19: This day marked a pivotal turning point in the history of North and East Syria, as the people of Kobani were able to expel Ba'athist regime forces from their city. The formation of the People's Protection Units (YPG) was officially announced as a popular defense force to protect the gains of the revolution.

November 8: Jabhat al-Nusra launched its first attack on the city of Serêkaniyê, attempting to impose its control over the city.

November 9: The people of Amuda and Ad-Darbasiyah liberated their cities from the Ba'athist regime.

November 10: The liberation wave continued with the expulsion of the regime from the city of Tal Tamr, where local residents revolted and expelled the regime's security and military institutions.

 2013: Expansion of the Liberation Zone and the Establishment of the Women's Protection Units:

February 21: The People's Protection Units (YPG) cleared the city of Jal Agha of remnants of the Ba'athist regime.

March 1: The YPG completed the liberation operations by expelling the regime from the city of Tirbespiyê.

March 2: The liberation of Rmelan, part of the city of Girkê Legê, was announced after the expulsion of Ba'athist forces.

April 4: The establishment of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) was announced, the first organized women's military force in the region. This marked a qualitative shift in the role of women in resistance and community defense, and established the principle of equality in the struggle and liberation.

July 16: ISIS mercenaries launched their first attack on the Jazira Canton.

July 17: The People's Protection Units (YPG) liberated the entire city of Serêkaniyê from the remnants of extremist groups (Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham, and others).

July 28: Extremist groups committed a massacre in Tal Hasil and Tal Aran, killing approximately 70 civilians, in one of the most heinous crimes against civilians during that period.

July 30: Issa Hesso, a prominent leader of the Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM), was martyred when his car was bombed in a treacherous assassination attempt aimed at striking at the symbols of the democratic project.

July 30: The YPG declared a general mobilization to deter mercenary attacks and liberate all areas of Rojava.

August 18: The YPG liberated the city of Zerghan after expelling the mercenaries.

August 27: The Martyr Çek Çin campaign, led by the YPG, was launched with the aim of liberating large areas of Rojava from the control of extremist groups.

October 27: The YPG achieved a major victory by liberating the town of Tal Kocher from ISIS mercenaries, securing one of the most important border crossings with Iraq.

 2014 – The official establishment of the Autonomous Administration and the escalation of the confrontation with ISIS:

January 20: The YPG/YPJ cleared the area of ​​Kir Ziro (near Rmelan) of remnants of the Baathist regime.

February 16: The YPG/YPJ liberated a portion of the city from ISIS mercenaries, in the first major direct confrontation in the Hasakah countryside.

February 22: The joint forces continued their advance and liberated the city of Tal Brak, one of the most prominent ISIS strongholds in the Hasakah countryside.

March 11: Suicide bombers targeted the People's Municipality building in Qamishlo, killing 11 municipal employees, in an attempt to undermine the nascent civil administration institutions.

July 2: ISIS launched a large-scale attack on the city of Kobani.

August 4: The People's and Women's Protection Units (YPG/YPJ) reached Mount Sinjar and were able to open a humanitarian corridor to rescue thousands of Yazidis from genocide at the hands of ISIS.

September 16: ISIS launched a direct attack on the city of Kobani after occupying many of its villages and towns, entering the city into a pivotal battle in the history of the revolution.

September 22: Leader Abdullah Ocalan issued a historic call stating, "The fall of Kobani is the fall of Kurdistan, and the Kurdish people must act based on this understanding." The city witnessed a massive popular uprising to defend it.

October 2: The YPG/YPJ liberated Rabia on the Iraqi border and succeeded in expelling ISIS.

October 3: ISIS occupied a third of Kobani after storming it, in one of the most dangerous phases of the battle.

October 5: Activist Arin Mirkan carried out a heroic suicide operation against an ISIS tank inside the city, changing the course of the battle for Kobani.

December 21: The formation of the Democratic Autonomous Administration in the Jazira Canton was officially announced.

December 27: The formation of the Autonomous Administration in the Kobani Canton was announced.

December 29: The formation of the Autonomous Administration in Afrin Canton was announced, completing the tripartite political structure of the Autonomous Administration.

The Battle of Kobani, the Beginning of the Strategic Shift and the Establishment of the SDF: 2015

January 26: A pivotal day in the history of the revolution, when YPG/YPJ fighters liberated the entire city of Kobani from ISIS mercenaries.

February 3: ISIS mercenaries burned Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh alive. The Protection Units considered this brutal act an extension of ISIS's brutality in Kobani, and al-Kasasbeh was considered a "martyr of the Kobani resistance."

February 23: ISIS launched a violent attack on the city of Tal Tamr, burning several churches and kidnapping dozens of Assyrian civilians.

February 27: The YPG/YPJ liberated the city of Tal Hamis.

March 20: ISIS carried out a massacre in the city of Hasakah, killing 45 civilians, in an attempt to destabilize the city as the Newroz holiday approached.

May 12: The "Robar Qamishlo" campaign was launched to liberate the northern countryside of Hasakah and Raqqa from ISIS mercenaries.

May 21: Mount Kizwan (Abdul Aziz), the city of Tal Tamr, and villages around Ras al-Ain were liberated.

May 27: The YPG/YPJ liberated the town of Suluk and the village of Mabrouka, west of Tal Abyad, from ISIS.

June 10: The establishment of the International Freedom Battalion was announced, the first combat unit to include foreign volunteers fighting in defense of Rojava.

June 15: The Protection Units dealt a heavy blow to ISIS by liberating the city of Tal Abyad.

June 23: The 93rd Brigade headquarters in Ain Issa, Euphrates Canton, was liberated from ISIS.

June 24: ISIS launched a new attack on Hasakah city, capturing several neighborhoods in a battle that continued until it was completely expelled.

June 25: ISIS infiltrated the city of Kobani, committing a horrific massacre that claimed the lives of 253 civilians.

July 7: The strategic city of Ain Issa was liberated for the second time after an ISIS counterattack.

July 27: The city of Sarrin in the Euphrates Canton was fully liberated after fierce battles.

July 16: The juvenile prison in Hasakah city was liberated, along with the electricity station, the Red Villas area, and the eastern and western Nashwa intersections, as part of an operation to repel ISIS's attack on the city.

August 30: A special Syriac women's force, called "Women of Bethnahrin," was established to defend their areas within the framework of the Autonomous Administration.

October 15: The establishment of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) was officially announced, as a military alliance uniting the various components of northern and eastern Syria.

October 31: The SDF launched its first military operation, "Wrath of Khabur," to liberate the southern countryside of Hasakah from ISIS.

November 13: The SDF announced the liberation of al-Hol, its first major battlefield victory since its establishment. December 6: SDF forces liberated the strategic Tishrin Dam, located east of the Euphrates River. December 9: The Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) was established, with the aim of representing the autonomous administration politically on the Syrian and international stage. 

 2016 – SDF Expansion and the Launch of the Political and Military Process in Northern Syria

February 15: SDF liberated Tal Rifaat in the northern Aleppo countryside, part of the Afrin and Shahba cantons.

February 19: The city of al-Shaddadi in al-Jazira canton, one of the most important ISIS strongholds in the southern Hasakah countryside, was liberated.

February 28: SDF launched the "Avenge the Martyrs Elin and Judy" campaign to liberate the remaining Hasakah and northern Raqqa countrysides from ISIS.

March 8: The Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood in Aleppo was subjected to chemical weapons and toxic substances for the first time, targeting Turkish mercenaries.

April 7 and 8: Chemical weapons were used again in the same neighborhood, resulting in three chemical attacks in less than a month, resulting in casualties among civilians and YPG/YPJ fighters.

April 21: Violent clashes erupted in the city of Qamishli between the Internal Security Forces and the former Syrian regime, leading to the regime's complete expulsion from Allaya Prison.

August 15: The Manbij Military Council announced the complete liberation of the city of Manbij from ISIS mercenaries.

2017 – The Beginning of the End for ISIS and the Expansion of Turkish Attacks

April 26: The Turkish occupation army launched its first direct airstrike on YPG positions near Mount Qarachokh in al-Jazira Canton, killing a number of fighters.

May 10: The Syrian Democratic Forces announced the liberation of the city of Tabqa and its dam from ISIS mercenaries.

September 9: The SDF launched the "Jazira Storm" campaign to liberate the remaining eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor and the southern countryside of Hasakah from ISIS control.

October 20: The SDF announced the complete liberation of Raqqa, once known as the "so-called capital of ISIS," after four months of battles as part of Operation Wrath of the Euphrates.

2018 – Occupation of Afrin and Establishment of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria

January 20: The Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries launched an attack on the Afrin canton under the name "Olive Branch," using warplanes and heavy artillery.

March 18: After 58 days of heroic resistance, the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries announced their occupation of the city of Afrin, amid a mass displacement of tens of thousands of civilians towards the Shahba region.

June 17: The SDF liberated Dashisha in the southern countryside of Hasakah, bordering Iraq.

August 4: The SDF liberated the entire desert of the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside, a decisive step towards besieging ISIS in its final pocket.

September 6: The establishment of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria was officially announced.

September 10: The SDF launched the final phase of the "Jazeera Storm" campaign, aiming to eliminate the remaining ISIS cells in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside.

The territorial end of ISIS and the escalation of Turkish aggression 2019

January 21: The Autonomous Administration's Health Authority opened the Heart and Eye Hospital in Qamishlo, a qualitative step in developing the region's healthcare infrastructure.

March 23: A historic day, as the Syrian Democratic Forces announced the territorial defeat of ISIS mercenaries after liberating the town of Baghouz, their last stronghold in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor.

October 9: The Turkish occupation army launched a large-scale attack on the cities of Serekaniye and Gire Spi/Tal Abyad, as part of Operation Peace Spring, displacing tens of thousands of civilians and committing documented war crimes.

October 12: Turkish occupation mercenaries assassinated the Secretary-General of the Future Syria Party, Hevrin Khalaf, and her driver, Farhad Ramadan.

October 26: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS mercenaries, was killed in a joint operation by the International Coalition and the SDF in the Idlib countryside.

Turkish Escalation, Targeting Women, and the Water War 2020

January 26: The Autonomous Administration's Health Authority opened a radiology and MRI center in Qamishlo to expand specialized medical services.

March 21: The Turkish occupation army began cutting off the water supply to the Allouk station supplying Hasakah city and its countryside.

March 28: The Internal Security Forces launched the "Humanity and Security" campaign inside al-Hol camp, aiming to dismantle ISIS sleeper cells and maintain security in the world's most dangerous camp.

April 27: The Internal Security Forces expelled former Syrian regime "National Defense" mercenaries from the Tay neighborhood in Qamishli after violent clashes.

June 23: A Turkish drone targeted three female activists from the Kongra Star in the village of Halanj, east of Kobani. They were: Zahra Barkal, Haboun Mala Khalil, and Amina Wisi. 

Political Mobilization and International Recognition…2021

July 15: The Autonomous Administration announced the formation of a committee to redraft the "social contract," with the aim of expanding participation and updating the legal framework for governance in accordance with the principle of people's democracy.

October 20: In a remarkable move, the Parliament of Catalonia (Spain) officially recognized the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, expressing its support for the democratic and decentralized model in the region.

November 9: Citizen Youssef Kello (Uncle Youssef) and his two grandsons, Mazloum and Muhammad, were killed when a Turkish drone targeted their car in the city of Qamishlo. 

 Battles against ISIS and Escalating Turkish Attacks 2022

January 20: ISIS mercenary cells launched a large-scale attack on the Al-Sina'a prison in the city of Hasakah, which houses thousands of dangerous ISIS detainees, in an attempt to reorganize their ranks.

January 26: The SDF announced the recapture of al-Sina'a prison as part of Operation Hammer of the People, which resulted in the killing and arrest of hundreds of mercenaries.

February 3: ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi was killed in the town of Atmeh in the Idlib countryside, northern Syria, in a joint operation between the Syrian Democratic Forces and US Special Forces.

March 13: The Fourth Division, affiliated with the former Syrian regime, imposed a crippling siege on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods in Aleppo, leading to severe shortages of food and medicine.

June 17: Farhad Shibli, deputy co-chair of the Autonomous Administration's Executive Council, was killed when a Turkish drone targeted his car in the Kalar area of Sulaymaniyah, southern Kurdistan.

 Security Campaigns, Political Initiatives, and Dangerous Turkish Escalation 2023

January 6: The SDF announced the conclusion of Operation "al-Jazira Thunderbolt" with the arrest of 154 mercenaries from ISIS sleeper cells in the countryside of Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor.

January 25: The SDF Joint Operations Command launched the "Raqqa Martyrs" campaign, following ISIS's targeting of a security headquarters in the city.

February 6: The SDF temporarily suspended its military operations in solidarity with the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.

March 4: US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley made a surprise visit to northeastern Syria, during which he affirmed the continued support of the International Coalition to the SDF in the fight against terrorism.

April 18: The Democratic Autonomous Administration launched a nine-point initiative to resolve the Syrian crisis, which included an emphasis on the unity of Syria and a decentralized political solution.

June 10: The Autonomous Administration decided to begin trials of foreign ISIS fighters in its custody, after years of international demands that countries assume their responsibility.

August 27: The SDF launched Operation "Enhancing Security" in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, targeting corruption and ISIS cells.

October 5: The Turkish occupation launched a large-scale airstrike targeting civilian infrastructure (power stations, water, grain, and hospitals), considered the most dangerous in years.

October 8: The Turkish occupation army committed a massacre, killing 29 members of the anti-drug forces and wounding 28 others in al-Jazira Canton.

December 12: The General Council of the Autonomous Administration approved the charter of the new social contract, following a series of popular and community discussions.

December 20: The Syrian Democratic Council approved a political roadmap for resolving the Syrian crisis, including mechanisms for dialogue with the national opposition.

2024 – General mobilization, the second displacement of Afrin, and an unprecedented Turkish escalation.

January 14: The Turkish occupation launched a new airstrike targeting vital facilities and infrastructure in various areas of northeastern Syria.

April 7: The People's Democratic Council approved the municipal elections law, marking a new phase of local civil organization.

May 1: The Autonomous Administration announced an amendment to the administrative map of northeastern Syria, including the restructuring of several communes and districts.

May 18: Voter cards began being distributed to citizens, a practical step toward organizing the first comprehensive municipal elections in the region.

December 1: The Autonomous Administration declared a general mobilization phase, in light of Turkish threats and a widespread military escalation.

December 2: The people of Afrin were displaced for the second time, after thousands of displaced people living in al-Shahba were forced to flee due to Turkish shelling.

December 8: Northeastern Syria witnessed popular celebrations marking the fall of the Baath regime across large areas. The Turkish occupation also launched a ground offensive on the city of Manbij to occupy it.

December 9: Turkish warplanes targeted the Qarqozak Bridge and Tishrin Dam, causing extensive damage to vital infrastructure.

December 10: The Tishrin Dam was completely out of service as a result of Turkish airstrikes. A ceasefire agreement was also reached through international mediation.

December 11: Despite the agreement, the Turkish occupation resumed bombing the Tishrin Dam and Qarqozak Bridge, in a clear violation of the truce.

December 20: Our agency's correspondent, Jihan Bilkin, and journalist Nazim Dashtan were killed as a result of a direct attack by a Turkish drone while covering the battles around the Tishrin Dam.

2025 – The year of political openness, victory at the Tishrin Dam, and rapprochement with Damascus

January 8: The first popular convoys set out from North and East Syria towards the Tishrin Dam, in clear defiance of Turkish attacks and in support of the steadfastness of the resistance there.

January 13: SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi received a representative of Masoud Barzani, as part of efforts to unify Kurdish ranks.

January 16: An official meeting was held between the SDF leadership and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and Masoud Barzani, discussing the future of the Kurds in Syria and the region.

January 18: Kurdish playwright Bafi Tayyar was martyred while covering the popular resistance at Tishrin Dam, sparking widespread solidarity.

January 19: A diplomatic meeting was held between the SDF General Command and representatives of the German Foreign Ministry, focusing on the SDF's role in combating terrorism and the fate of ISIS camps.

March 10: An eight-point political agreement was signed between the SDF and the transitional government, marking the beginning of a shift in relations between the two parties.

March 16: The Kurdish Red Crescent announced the dispatch of humanitarian convoys to the Syrian coast, in a gesture of national solidarity.

March 23: The first conference for Kurdish women in Rojava was held, calling for a comprehensive Kurdish national conference.

March 26: The Education Authority of the Autonomous Administration held direct meetings with the Ministry of Education in the transitional government regarding certificates and curricula.

April 1: A formal agreement was reached between the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhood councils and the transitional government.

April 3: The implementation of the first provisions of the agreement began in the two neighborhoods, as a gesture of goodwill from both sides.

April 16: Journalist Agid Roj was killed in a Turkish attack on the vicinity of Tishrin Dam, in a further violation of international law.

April 18: A security campaign was launched to comb al-Hol camp to arrest sleeper cells. A high-ranking delegation from the SDF and YPJ also visited Tishrin Dam in support of the resistance there.

April 24: An important meeting took place between the Autonomous Administration, the SDF, the French Foreign Minister, and Nechirvan Barzani, discussing the future of the Kurds and the Syrian solution. A Kurdish political delegation from northern Kurdistan arrived in Rojava in a step toward unity.

April 26: A "Kurdish Unity" conference was held, and an agreement was signed between the various parties on a unified political vision.

May 5: The popular resistance achieved victory at the Tishrin Dam after 118 days of resistance, repelling the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries.

May 26: The Autonomous Administration announced the conclusion of a joint plan with the transitional government to resolve the issue of Syrians in al-Hol camp.

June 1: A political meeting was held between a delegation from the Autonomous Administration and the transitional government in Damascus.

June 4: A special Kurdish delegation was formed to negotiate with Damascus regarding ethnic, linguistic, and administrative rights.

June 8: An agreement was reached with Damascus to organize official exams for Autonomous Administration students based on the curriculum of the former regime.

June 19: A technical understanding was reached between the Energy Authority of the Autonomous Administration and the Ministry of Energy of the transitional government to secure electricity sources.

July 9: A political meeting between representatives of the Autonomous Administration and officials of the transitional government discussed refugee issues, security, and services.

July 10: A support convoy from the Autonomous Administration headed to the Syrian coast to help extinguish forest fires, expressing national unity.

ANHA