Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) commander Milîtan Çiya commented on the latests assaults by the Turkish state and its affiliated armed groups against Ain Issa (Eyn İsa) and said Turkey should admit defeat, according to a report by the Hawar News Agency.
Arguing that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) chose the option of taking civilians to Seyda village in cooperation with Russian forces, Çiya said, “However, tens of members of gangs [affiliated groups] also attended the village alongside civilians. But our forces did not remain silent on this situation”.
Çiya added, “They tried to occupy the village in this way, but our forces responded. Suffering many casualties, the gangs left their dead behind and ran towards Turkey’s military bases”.
After the failure of Turkish-backed gangs and many casualties, Turkey carried out an air strike with fighter jets against the villages of Seyda and Muelek. The SDF made a statement regarding the casualties on 20 March.
‘Turkey should admit defeat’
Commending the bravery of the SDF, commander Çiya said, “Our forces showed their level of preparation against all those who aim to occupy our lands. The Turkish state should admit that it was defeated. It should recognise the will of SDF fighters and libertarian people”.
Turkey’s attempts to occupy six villages located in the northern region of the M4 main road were defeated. Turkish-backed gangs have repeatedly tried to take over villages in the region.
YPJ commander Çiya said SDF fighters were inspired by Newroz when they defeated those who attacked Ain Issa.
18 November
The Turkish state has been targeting Ain Issa since 18 November, when Turkish-backed armed groups attacked the village of Mişêrifê in northeastern Syria. Toxar village in Manbij, Tell Tamer, and Zirgan were also attacked during that period.
The SDF have stated several times that they will resist attacks by using legitimate defensive tactics.
