RIHA - "We will not step back to protect our honour," say local administrators participating in the vigil against the attacks on the Tishreen Dam.
Around the Tishreen Dam, located south of the city of Kobanê in North and East Syria, the resistance against the attacks of Turkey and the affiliated Syrian National Army (SNA) continues. Citizens have been continuing their vigil at the dam since 8 January despite intense attacks.
'WE WILL NOT GIVE UP THE STRUGGLE'
Hisên Reşîd Şêxo, a member of the Raqqa General Assembly, said that their action was important for the security of the people of the region. Hisên Reşîd Şêxo stated that he participated in the vigil to protect the dam and said, "There is a risk of explosion of the dam. We are defending this place together with our people. The protection of this dam is not only for the benefit of Rojava but also for the whole Syria. Peoples should support this struggle. We have had many martyrs and wounded people at the dam so far. We will never give up this struggle."
Meryem Bilal, Co-chair of Raqqa-Efrîn Social Association, emphasised that they are waging a "struggle for honour". Meryem Bilal said, "From Raqqa to Afrin, peoples came here to support the fight for honour. We call out to the international powers; Do you not see the bombing of civilians and our areas? We will keep our vigil against the attacks until the end. Our struggle will continue."
Efrin and Shahba Martyrs' Families Assembly Co-Chair Nebiye Hebeş said, "As the people of Efrin, we are subjected to persecution, we are being displaced. However, this cruel enemy should know that our struggle will continue. We came to the Tishreen Dam and we will not step back to protect our honour. We live here together with all peoples. We will respond to the attacks with resistance."
Noting that the watch is "the common defence struggle of the peoples", Tebqa Commune Co-Chair Shamshîre Muhemed Umer said, "This dam is a resource that not only we but all peoples benefit from. We are here for our children and we continue our defence against the attacks. We are not afraid of tanks and cannons. We are here together with SDF. We are fighting to lighten their burden. We do not want war, but we will not step back as long as the attacks continue. We will continue to defend our lands and our children."