People of Tabqa and Manbij: We are all human shields

The human shield action launched by the people of Gire Spi against the Turkish state’s threats and attacks continues on day 9 with participation from Tabqa and Manbij. Civilian administration representatives from the cities visited the activists today.

Manbij Legislative Council Co-chair Mihemed Eli said: “Today we came here to prove our unity with all groups in the region and to give a message to those who threaten our people from beyond the border that Syria is united with all her colors and diverse peoples.”

Eli continued: “We are the ones calling for peace, not war. This peaceful protest is a sign of that. We will not let anybody crush our gains. We are all vanguards of these gains. We are united. We do not want a war against any state or any people. But if the war comes to us, we will defend our lands from the youngest to the oldest.”

Tabqa Democratic Civilian Administration’s General Relations Committee Co-chair Asya El Xerbi said: “Today we stand against all hegemonic powers that started the war in Syria. Thousands of Syrians lost their lives in this war, and still the dictator Erdogan supports the gangs.”
Asya pointed out Turkey’s threats against the region and said: “Erdogan calls Northern and Eastern Syrian peoples terrorists, he wants to kill us. So why didn’t he call the ISIS gangs along the border with Turkey terrorists? He is an enemy to the peoples who resist and demand their freedom. He started in Afrin, and now is threatening everybody along the Syrian border.”

Asya concluded with: “Our cause is a just and righteous cause. What we want is peace, security and freedom for all peoples. We call on all Syrians to say unite and internal issues can be resolved.”

The human shield action against Turkish invasions continues.