YBŞ: Shengal resistance defends humanity, free women

The Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) Command affirmed that self-organization, unity, and legitimate defense are the fundamental pillars for ensuring a future free from genocide and tragedy.

In a statement issued on the eleventh anniversary of the liberation of Shengal from ISIS mercenaries, the Command stated that this occasion embodies the will of resilience and the sacrifices made by the people of Shengal for freedom and dignity.

The statement added, "Today marks the eleventh anniversary of one of the most important days in our people's history, the day when Shengal city was liberated from ISIS mercenaries. This liberation was achieved thanks to the heroic resistance of our proud Yazidi community, along with their freedom-loving friends who responded to the call of humanity in its darkest hour. That day marked a historical turning point and the birth of a new era of dignity and free will for our people.

The massacre of August 3, 2014, perpetrated by ISIS mercenaries, inflicted a deep wound on the conscience of all humanity and clearly revealed the magnitude of the threat facing the Yazidi community and all peoples yearning for freedom. However, the will to live triumphed thanks to the organization, our dedicated military units, and the inspiration we drew from the ideas and philosophy of Leader Apo, which illuminated our path of resistance, organization, and a free life.

From that day until now, Shengal has continued its journey along a path fraught with dangers and difficulties, yet it has not been defeated. In addition, thanks to the sacrifices of hundreds of heroic martyrs in the ranks of the Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) and the Shengal Women's Units (YJŞ), we managed to lay the foundations for the Autonomous Administration and strengthen the spirit of resistance, which has become an integral part of our people's identity. This resistance was not only a defense of the land of Shengal, but also a defense of human dignity, free women, and a secure and independent future for all communities in our region.

As we enter the second decade after liberation, the threats persist. The enemy, represented by the Turkish occupation state and its regional allies, continues to target our gains and seek to eliminate the symbols of our struggle. However, just as we defeated ISIS mercenaries in the plains and mountains, we will defeat all attempts at occupation and betrayal with greater organization, awareness, and unwavering resistance.

On this solemn anniversary, we remember our heroic martyrs who paved the way for freedom; Dilsher, Agid, Nujin, Medya, Berkhudan, Arkash, and Saeed, in addition to the last martyr who watered the soil of Shengal with his pure blood. With pride and gratitude, these heroes are the living conscience of our people. From them, we draw our strength and determination to defend our society and protect our gains.

Therefore, our people must know that protecting this great heritage is a collective responsibility that rests on all of us. Self-organization, unity, and the legitimate defense of our land and honor are the true guarantees for building a future where no place for genocide and tragedy will be existed. Let the eleventh anniversary of the liberation of Shengal be an opportunity for us to strengthen our ranks, renew our pledge to the martyrs, and unite our efforts to build a free and democratic society worthy of their memory."

J.J