People from North-East Syria have been holding a vigil at the Tishrin Dam since 8 January to protect their territory alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Women's Defense Units (YPJ) who are confronting ever-increasing attacks by the Turkish army and allied Syrian National Army (SNA) mercenaries.

On its 16th day, the vigil was attended by a delegation from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES).

Defying the attacks by the invaders, people remain determined to protect the dam despite the cold weather and rain.

While residents from the Cizire, Raqqa, Tabqa, and Euphrates cantons are taking turns in the vigil, the Turkish state and its proxies continue their relentless attacks on the protesters as well as the dam. Dozens of people have been killed or wounded as a result of Turkish aerial and ground attacks since the launch of the action. The Turkish and jihadist occupation forces launched their first attacks on the dam on December 8, 2024, the day of the overthrow of Syrian long-term ruler Bashar al-Assad. The attacks by UCAVs, including “Bayraktar” and “Akıncı,” and combat drones have resulted in the martyrdom of more than 20 civilians and injured over 120 others.