Raqqa salutes its liberation 8th anniversary under slogan "Renewed Covenant of Security, Dignity"

On Monday, thousands of Raqqa residents flocked to the celebration site organized by the canton's residents at the municipal stadium in downtown Raqqa. In addition, civil and military institutions, political parties from Raqqa and Tabqa cantons, the co-chairmanship of the Executive Council of North and East Syria, and the Democratic Peoples' Council participated.

The stadium was decorated with pictures of martyrs and flags of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Internal Security Forces.

The celebration began with holding a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs, followed by a military parade carried out by fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Internal Security Forces.

The Syrian Democratic Forces' commander Jamil Mazloum then delivered an opening speech, saying, "On this great day, we pledge once again that we will continue to fight and struggle for the sake of the martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the freedom and dignity of our people."

Jamil Mazloum added, "From the center of Raqqa, the city of peace and resistance, we salute the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), the Democratic North Brigade, and all the formations of the Syrian Democratic Forces who fought heroically on this holy land, side by side with all components; Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, and Turkmen."

Mazloum emphasized that ISIS constituted absolute darkness that loomed over the young men and women of Syria, but the sons and daughters of this people did not stand idly by, "rather, they pledged to confront this terrorist organization. The battles were fierce, and the sacrifices were enormous; however, our will prevailed."

The commander confirmed that the Syrian Democratic Forces will never forget how "Naim Roundabout" became a symbol of hell under the control of ISIS mercenaries, only to regain its name later thanks to the heroism of the fighters who liberated this city from this nightmare.

He said on behalf of the Syrian Democratic Forces, "On the eighth anniversary of the liberation of Raqqa, we stand with pride and honor to say to everyone who supported us and stood by us in this battle; the Syrian people and friends around the world, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Jamil Mazloum made clear that the Syrian Democratic Forces, composed of all components of the Syrian people, are united and remain committed to building a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria that represents all Syrians without discrimination.

Mazloum noted that the region faces a new test not with weapons, but with rebuilding the homeland and formulating a constitution that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all Syrians. He said, "This has been our pledge since the beginning of our revolution, and this is our commitment today."

Jamil Mazloum addressed all those trying to sow discord or division among the Syrian people, saying, "It is enough. The time has come for construction and unity. We fought ISIS together, and together we will continue to build a homeland worthy of the sacrifices of our martyrs."

The celebration continued with speeches by the participants, both men and women.

J.J

ANHA