Tabqa marks eight years of freedom with unity of components 

On November 5, 2016, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), alongside the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) and in coordination with the Global Coalition against ISIS, launched Operation "Wrath of the Euphrates" to liberate Raqqa and Tabqa. By March 20, 2017, the operation had successfully encircled ISIS fighters within Tabqa. After 50 days of intense combat, the city was declared fully liberated on May 10, 2017.

Throughout the liberation campaign, the Syrian Democratic Forces undertook extraordinary efforts, bolstered by the participation of hundreds of Tabqa residents from all components of its society. Many sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their homeland. Today, eight years on, the people of Tabqa remain united in their commitment to defending the hard-won gains of liberation and honoring the memory of those who gave everything for their land.

On the occasion of this anniversary, Imad Al-Khal, the commander in the Tabqa Military Council, told ANHA Agency:

“The SDF made the strategic decision to launch Operation Wrath of the Euphrates to liberate both Tabqa and Raqqa. The operation focused on freeing the Tabqa Dam, the military airbase, and the city itself from ISIS control.”

Al-Khal emphasized that the liberation was a victory not only for the people of Tabqa but for all of North and East Syria. The campaign’s success was rooted in the unity of its components, as hundreds of young men and women joined the resistance from the very beginning.

He also commended the unwavering support shown by the local population for their sons and daughters serving in the SDF and YPJ, reflecting their absolute confidence in their ability to defeat the terror of ISIS.

Al-Khal highlighted Tabqa’s social fabric—characterized by diversity and intercommunal solidarity—which has earned it the moniker “Little Syria.” This unity was mirrored in the widespread enlistment of Tabqa’s youth into the SDF, many of whom made great sacrifices in the struggle to reclaim their city.

He further affirmed that Tabqa and its people continue to represent one of the most resilient popular bases for the SDF—a force that has proven itself to be a genuine national protector by preserving the accomplishments of the liberation.

The participation of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in the liberation of Tabqa was pivotal. Their involvement inspired the women of Tabqa to take part in the struggle for freedom and to fulfill their national duties, even in the face of the grave dangers posed by ISIS.

Zainab Tabqa, a YPJ fighter, stated:

“The YPJ played a crucial role in liberating Tabqa. Women fought on the frontlines and displayed acts of bravery that shattered the stereotypical image of women in the region. This had a profound impact on the community, as families witnessed for the first time the courage and determination of women who bore arms and resisted terror.”

She added that the women of Tabqa drew strength and morale from the YPJ, which freed them from the oppression of ISIS. No longer burdened by the fears instilled by extremist ideology, 

Furthermore, the heroic actions of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) left a deep and lasting impact on the women of Tabqa. Despite societal constraints and outdated traditions, a significant number of women took the bold step of joining these units. They chose the path of resistance and freedom, embracing the responsibility of liberating all Syrian women.

From Suffering to Liberation

The people of Tabqa endured a prolonged period of brutality under the rule of ISIS. Their suffering was compounded by the forced displacement of many of the city’s diverse components, which included a rich mosaic of religions and ethnicities. Among the most gruesome scenes was ISIS’s display of the bodies and severed heads of regime soldiers killed at Tabqa Airbase on August 24, 2014, which were hung in public squares and roundabouts.

These horrors compelled the people of Tabqa to await the arrival of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for liberation, and many joined their ranks as soon as the forces entered the city. ANHA Agency met one of the first individuals to join the SDF during the campaign to liberate Tabqa—war-injured fighter Mohammad Taher—who said:

"The oppression and brutality of ISIS mercenaries drove me to act, particularly their atrocities after taking control of Tabqa Airbase, when the streets of the city were filled with bodies and severed heads. After the siege of Tabqa, I fled to the village of Al-Kareen. Soon after, the international coalition and the SDF conducted an airdrop operation, and I joined the forces immediately under the Manbij Revolutionaries Brigade."

Taher participated in the liberation of Tabqa and continued his efforts in the campaign to free his people in Raqqa. During the fighting, he was injured by a landmine, resulting in the amputation of both legs. He was also besieged in the Eye Hospital during the battles but affirmed his commitment to continue making sacrifices to preserve the homeland and the legacy of the martyrs.

Recent movements by ISIS sleeper cells in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor have caused concern for Taher. He commented:

"Recently, I’ve heard about comrades in the SDF being martyred due to ISIS attacks. This proves that the organization still poses a threat to security and stability. Therefore, I call on our forces to respond decisively and strike ISIS cells forcefully until this absolute evil is eradicated."

The Path of Martyrs

Tabqa has sacrificed 292 martyrs: 238 from the Syrian Democratic Forces, 39 from the Internal Security Forces, 6 employees from the Autonomous Administration institutions, and 9 female martyrs. These individuals gave their lives from the launch of the liberation campaign to the present day. The people of Tabqa continue to defend the achievements of the martyrs across all fronts, most recently during the resistance at the Tishrin Dam.

Hind Khalil, the Co-Chair of the Martyrs' Families Council in the Tabqa Canton, stated:

"Since the launch of the Tabqa liberation campaign, its people—of all components—united and joined the ranks of the SDF. Tabqa was liberated from the scourge of ISIS thanks to this unity with their military forces."

She emphasized that the increasing solidarity among the people to preserve the martyrs’ legacy and the blood they shed played a crucial role in establishing security and stability—achievements made possible by the sacrifices of the fallen.

In conclusion, Hind reaffirmed the continued resistance of Tabqa’s people, saying:

"We see how our people protect all regions of North and East Syria, resisting attacks on our areas—especially at the Tishrin Dam. On the anniversary of Tabqa’s liberation, we assure our people that we have sacrificed many martyrs and will continue to do so to preserve the hard-won gains achieved by our noble martyrs."

a.k

ANHA