Training cycle of the Self-Defense Forces started with 2000 new recruits at the academy of Martyr Hesen Derwîş, where military training and ideological education will be provided to the new fighters for 45 days.

The opening of the training cycle was marked with a military ceremony, joined by commanders of Self-Defense Forces and YPG/YPJ, and was followed by a speech of Cizîrê Canton Defense Council Vice-chair Alaa El-Setim.

Alaa El-Setim started with congratulating the opening of the training cycle with two thousand fighters and stressed that this occasion honors the 5th anniversary of July 19 Rojava Revolution.

El-Setim highlighted the importance and decisive role which the Self-Defence Forces fulfill in the operation for Raqqa's liberation from ISIS gangs.

Alaa El-Setim wished great success to the recruits and called on all youths of Rojava to join the Self-Defense Forces.

Following the speech, each of the fighters took their oath and celebrated the occasion with music and halay dances.

The recruits are expected to be allocated in different academies of the Self-Defense Forces in Cizîrê Canton.

The academy, where the opening ceremony took place, was named after Hesen Derwîş who fell a martyr in the operation for Raqqa's liberation.