The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Press Spokesperson Ferhad Shami refuted the allegation by the Turkish Ministry of Defence that the Tishrin Dam is under the control of the Syrian National Army (SNA).

Making a statement at the Tishrin Dam on Thursday, Shami provided the latest information from the ground and evaluated the course of the war, saying the following:

“Today is the 26th of December 2024, 17:20 o’clock. We are now at the Tishrin Dam. As is known, the occupying Turkish state claimed through the Ministry of Defence that the Tishrin Dam was under the control of the occupying gangs. However, the presence of us and our friends here proves once again that these claims are unfounded.

The occupying Turkish state, which has been attempting genocide against the people of the region for a long time, continues its massacres today with its attacks on the dam and the surrounding villages. SDF fighters, together with all their components, have been putting up great resistance for 20 days. Fighters of the SDF, YPG and YPJ have been the basis of our people's victories against occupation. As can be seen, the dam is completely in the hands of SDF forces. The clashes are concentrated around the village of Abu Qelqel, north of the dam.

The occupying Turkish state is trying to raise the morale of its gangs, which have suffered about 450 casualties and dozens of wounded, while many vehicles such as tanks and cannons have been destroyed during the 20-day resistance against the special war waged by the occupying Turkish state. We are here and we will remain here. As our friends are resisting here, striking a blow to the invaders and paying a great price by sacrificing their lives to protect their people and their region, we call on all the young people of our region to take part in the ranks of struggle.

Today is the day of honour. This fight is not just for a dam or a village, it is a fight for existence. Therefore, everyone should come here with great morale and spirituality and join the resistance. This resistance will be instrumental in enlightening our future and strengthening our hand in every field. If this resistance does not exist, our heads will be bowed down and we will have nothing left in Syria. However, this resistance will prove our existence and determine our status in the future of Syria. Our resistance will be crowned with victory.”