Residents of Raqqa: liberation of Raqqa was humanitarian revolution led by people of this land

Today, the residents of Raqqa celebrated the eighth anniversary of their city’s liberation from ISIS mercenaries under the slogan “A Renewed Pledge for Security and Dignity.” Thousands of locals attended, alongside representatives from civil and military institutions in Raqqa and al-Tabqa.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs, followed by a military parade performed by fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Internal Security Forces, symbolizing victory and sacrifice.

Following this, Jamil Mazloom, a leader from the Raqqa Military Council, delivered a speech stressing the importance of Syria’s territorial unity and emphasizing that the victory in Raqqa is a victory for all Syrians.

Meshlab Al-Turkan, co-chair of the Executive Council in Raqqa, spoke on behalf of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, welcoming attendees and stating:
“On this day, history wrote a new page a day when willpower triumphed over terrorism, truth over falsehood, and dignity over oppression. Eight years ago, this city was suffocating under a darkness that sought to steal our lives, confiscate our dreams, and destroy our children’s future.”

He continued, “ISIS mercenaries declared from Raqqa their so-called ‘state,’ turning it into the ‘capital of a caliphate of killing, terror, and takfir.’ But from these very streets, the sons and daughters of Raqqa, along with all the components of North and East Syria, broke the chains of terrorism, dismantled the pillars of the so-called state, and declared a new era of freedom and dignity.”

Al-Turkan emphasized that “the battle for Raqqa was not just a military operation but a humanitarian revolution led by the people of the land young men and women, fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces, alongside Women’s Protection Units.”

He added, “Syria today is at a historic crossroads, and the solution remains distant. Syria’s unity can only be achieved by recognizing all components, respecting their distinct identities, and including them in decision-making.” He underscored that the Autonomous Administration’s experience is living proof that democracy is possible and that decentralized governance is the solution.

Zahra Yusuf, co-chair of the Martyrs’ Families Authority in Raqqa, delivered a speech honoring the eighth anniversary of Raqqa’s liberation, saying:
“On this day, the fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces stood against the fiercest terrorist organization of the modern era and bravely fought, with hundreds of them martyred.”

She stressed that “the liberation was not just a military victory but a triumph of life and a new awakening for the Syrian spirit that rejects humiliation and slavery.” She affirmed that the martyrs’ blood is not a fleeting memory but a pledge held in their hearts to continue the struggle until achieving peace and freedom.

Jihan Mohammad, coordinator of the Women’s Assembly of Zenobia, emphasized:
“Women were essential partners in the liberation battle and in achieving victory. Liberating the land is only the beginning of a long journey because today’s greatest challenge is building a new, democratic, decentralized Syria where women must be the cornerstone of this construction, in drafting the constitution, and decision-making.”

She stressed: “We will not allow one form of tyranny to be replaced by another, nor will we accept the exclusion of women. The new Syria is for all its sons and daughters, open to everyone on the basis of equal citizenship and social justice.”

ANHA