The General Command of Shengal Women’s Units (YJŞ) and Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) has released a statement regarding the 'Operation to Avenge Êzidî Women' they launched on November 12.

The statement by YBŞ and YJŞ reported that the first phase of the operation has been finalized on its third day, saying: "As the combatants of Êzîdxan, our goal is to protect our honour and lands, and to save them."

Recalling the ISIS occupation of Shengal center and villages on August 3, 2014, the statement said: "During those days, no force or no state stood by the Êzidîs. We built our own force on the basis of self-defense to make sure Êzidî women and mothers do not suffer the same pain again. We have played a great role in the liberation of Shengal and villages but many other villages and people from our folk still remain in the hands of the gangs."

The statement said that the the 'Operation to Avenge Êzidî Women' consisted of several phases, the first one of which was aimed for liberating the triangle area between Sikiniye-Heyale, Shilo Valley and Sewra village. YBŞ/YJŞ said this area is of great importance as its liberation served as a step to cut the gangs off Mount Shengal and open the line between Shengal and Mediban.

According to the statement, this territory has been liberated and secured by YJŞ/YBŞ combatants who are now clearing the mines planted by the gangs to enable the return of displaced locals.

YJŞ/YBŞ fighters are also forming positions in the liberated areas and taking measures in order that this territory is not re-taken by the gangs.

YBŞ and YJŞ Command noted that they have halted the operation until all the necessary measures are taken in this region, adding: "Still, our offensive and battle against the gangs will proceed and our struggle will continue until all the villages and Êzîdî captives are freed from ISIS."