YPJ's commander: We committed to defending Deir ez-Zor, confronting ISIS cells

Zilan Jesur, the leadership member of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) stated to YPJ's official website, "Our presence in this area comes in response to the attacks carried out in Deir ez-Zor by ISIS sleeper cells." She added, "The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are present in the area, as are YPJ fighters. We bear a great responsibility in an area that still suffers from a chaotic and patriarchal mentality—the same mentality that ISIS is trying to exploit to revive itself."

She added, "We, in YPJ, bravely defend the people of Deir ez-Zor and work to protect civilians from terrorist crimes. Our presence here is in defense of the women and the people of this region." She noted that "Deir ez-Zor has recently witnessed bombings and sabotage operations targeting society, security, and stability; however, we know that those behind them are not from the region. Today, the people are united with SDF to protect their region."

Zilan Jesur continued, "Those seeking to sabotage the region are the remnants of ISIS sleeper cells, which have begun to reactivate and launch attacks on SDF and YPJ. Our presence here is primarily a response to these threats and the ISIS' attempts to reorganize its ranks." She stressed that the units are working to "cut off the roots that ISIS organization is trying to replant, and eradicate them from the basis."

Zilan Jesur concluded, "The operations and campaigns we are carrying out are part of the fight against the extremist ideology, and Deir ez-Zor people welcome this because they realize that our goal is to eliminate ISIS and prevent its resurgence. We are constantly training and working to increase our readiness and organize our ranks to protect the region, defend women and the people, and eradicate the terrorist ideology from its roots."

J.J