Hajin people:  We left our lands to escape IS, their mines

DIYAR AHMO - HEMED AL-MUSTAFA / DEIR EZ-ZOR

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are continuing their final phase of al-Jazeera Tempest campaign in the name of the battle to defeat terrorism in its last stronghold in Hajin areas and its countryside.

Deir ez-Zor areas, especially those adjacent to the Euphrates River are characterized by fertile soil and abundant water availability. Therefore, the inhabitants of this area depend on the cultivation of all winter and summer agricultural crops which are considered a source of livelihood for them.

This year, the farmers were unable to cultivate their lands and harvest their crops as a result of the battles witnessed in their areas, and their escape from the practices of IS mercenaries that were trying to use them as human shields, forcing them to flee to the areas liberated by SDF.

One of the civilians living in Hajin countryside, Yusuf Mohammed al-Ahmed, says that the people of the area rely on livestock and agriculture to secure their livelihood; however, under the control of IS mercenaries on their areas, agriculture declined because the mercenaries used to loot their crops and impose a lot of taxes on the farmers.

Al-Ahmed added that after the start of al-Jazeera Tempest campaign and the liberation of the countryside of Deir ez-Zor, they left their money, houses and agricultural lands, escaping from injustice to the liberated areas. He added, "IS tortured our people in our areas, and our lives were bad, but by virtue of God and SDF, we have been freed from humiliation and slavery, and the farmers in the liberated areas began to restore life to their lands and farms.

Al-Ahmed pointed out that IS mercenaries have planted mines in every corner of the houses, streets and agricultural lands, and that has been a source of concern and horror for the returnees to their homes and lands.

A.H

ANHA