Shahnaz Al-Hifl: We will continue struggle at Tishrin Dam

Since January 8, convoys of civilians from various regions of North and East Syria have been heading toward Tishrin Dam to protest and take shifts in protecting it from the attacks of the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries.

Speaking to ANHA agency from the protest site at Tishrin Dam, Shahnaz Al-Hifl said, "We came from Deir ez-Zor to express our absolute rejection of the Turkish aggressions against our regions in North and East Syria. Our presence here today at Tishrin Dam demonstrates the depth of solidarity among our peoples and the democratic values we uphold on our land. We are one people, with one destiny, and one body."

She added, "This protest and the unity at Tishrin Dam are not new to our communities. We continuously work together to build institutions and infrastructure and strive for a form of political, economic, and social self-governance. We do not seek secession; rather, we aspire to a democratic, pluralistic, and decentralized Syria, one that ensures the rights of all communities and military forces, preserving the safety of our institutions and honoring the blood of our martyrs, who laid the foundation for achieving our goals."

Shahnaz Al-Hifl emphasized, "The unity of our communities here at Tishrin Dam grows stronger each day. We stand side by side to protect our facilities and support our forces until the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries are deterred. Today, they directly targeted the structure of the dam, an act that contradicts the most basic principles of humanity and violates United Nations regulations."

A Turkish occupation drone targeted the protesters at Tishrin Dam on Thursday while they were continuing their demonstration against Turkish attacks. As a result of the strike, three civilians were injured with varying degrees of severity.

With a voice filled with indignation, Shahnaz Al-Hifl questioned, "Where are humanitarian principles? Where are the positions of the international community? And where is the stance of the Damascus government? We urge them to break their silence and take a firm stand against this aggression. The Damascus government must take responsibility and confront Erdogan, who is targeting civilians in North and East Syria in plain sight of the entire world."

Shahnaz Al-Hifl also highlighted the significant role of women in the struggle, stating, "Since the spark of the women's revolution at the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, women have held leading roles in political, economic, and social fields. Today, in the protests at Tishrin Dam, we see women once again on the front lines, supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces and participating in the struggle. This reflects their deep sense of responsibility toward their homeland, as they provide moral support and cultivate a spirit of resistance among the protesters and forces on the front lines."

She addressed the women of North and East Syria, saying, "Women must safeguard the achievements of the revolution and continue their struggle and resilience against the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries. And I say with determination, we will continue the struggle at Tishrin Dam, because it is a duty for every free person and every loyal citizen who cares for their land and dignity."

A-H

ANHA