Tishrin Dam… epic of steadfastness, unity that forged victory, protected gains of peoples

The resistance at Tishrin Dam embodied a prominent model of shared steadfastness in the North and East Syria region, as the dam was transformed into a symbol of unity and the defense of life-sustaining resources in the face of attacks targeting it. The cohesion of the region’s components Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, and Armenians formed the foundation of this resistance, which stemmed from a popular will conscious of protecting its achievements.

Alongside this popular role, the Syrian Democratic Forces contributed to organizing the resistance and defending the dam. The resistance at the dam became a living example of the revolutionary people’s war approach and what it can achieve. This approach culminated in a victory that confirmed that unity among components and the strength of collective will are capable of thwarting attacks and safeguarding stability in the region.

“I Could Not Remain a Bystander”

In this context, and with the approach of the first anniversary of this resistance, which falls on January 8, citizen Abdul Samad Issa from the Tal Hajar neighborhood in the city of Hasakah in al-Jazira Canton recalled his participation in the resistance at Tishrin Dam on nine occasions alongside his eldest son. He said: “I could not watch the components of al-Hasakah heading to Tishrin Dam to defend it without being part of this epic.”

Tishrin Dam… A Popular Epic Written by Will and Unity of Components

Abdul Samad described Tishrin Dam as having turned into a “pilgrimage site,” considering that it would in the future become a national landmark known as the “Dam of the Martyrs,” in commemoration of the heroic resistance presented by all components of the North and East Syria region. He affirmed that the historic stance of the components alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces was the decisive factor in achieving victory.

Shelling, Injuries, and Calls for International Accountability

Issa pointed to his injury during the Turkish shelling that targeted the dam, in addition to the injury of dozens of civilians and the martyrdom of a large number of them, including media workers and elderly people. He called on the international community to hold the Turkish occupying state accountable for the violations committed against civilians, stressing that “the targeting was not military but directly struck civilians in an attempt to break the will of the components.”

“We Did Not Fear the Aircraft… We Were Stronger Than the Bombardment”

For her part, Shirin Hassan, the mother of two martyrs, said: “I participated in the resistance at Tishrin Dam three times. Despite the convoy we were part of being targeted the first time, we continued on our way and reached the dam.” She added that Turkish occupation aircraft repeatedly targeted civilian convoys, “but we did not fear it; rather, we confronted it with determination and strength.”

On the third occasion, Shirin brought her youngest son along with his 20-year-old brother to witness the heroic resistance, despite her suffering from heart disease and difficulty moving.

Tishrin Dam Embodied the Revolutionary People’s War

In turn, Ahin Ali affirmed that the region’s components have always repeated, since the launch of the Rojava Revolution particularly the Women’s Revolution that the gains of the revolution are protected through the approach of the revolutionary people’s war. She said: “Despite the attacks and occupation that affected our cities, no confrontation reached the level of popular mobilization witnessed at Tishrin Dam.”

She explained that going to the dam was done with a high national spirit, with the participation of children, women, and the elderly, in order to protect the gains of the revolution that were irrigated with the blood of martyrs. She emphasized that civilians standing alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces was a historical necessity in confronting an army considered the second largest in NATO.

She stressed that the revolutionary people’s war is a culture and a will before it is a weapon, and that it proved itself at Tishrin Dam through the sacrifice of dozens of martyrs.

Tishrin Dam… A Symbol of Global Resistance

For her part, Khalida Bouti, a member of the coordination committee of the Star Congress in Hasakah, congratulated the victory of the Tishrin Dam resistance and dedicated it to the souls of the martyrs and to leader Abdullah Ocalan. She noted that this victory has become part of the gains of the Rojava Revolution, despite the direct targeting of civilians.

She added that Tishrin Dam has become the “Dam of Martyrs, Resistance, and Heroism,” affirming that she personally witnessed the direct targeting of civilian convoys, “but what we saw was not fear, but determination to reach the destination.”

Khalida Bouti, who participated in the resistance, concluded by saying: “Our resistance continues, and we will not submit to occupiers or aggressors.

ANHA