The 11th Self Defence Forces Military Training started with a ceremony. Afrin’s Defence Council and Self Defence Forces president Behced Ebdo and Afrin Canton’s Administration Council president Shex Isa attended the ceremony alongside YPG/YPJ commanders.

In a speech, Ebdo told the recruits that their duty is to provide security for people of Afrin canton. Regarding Turkish attacks against Afrin, Ebdo said: “We condemn Turkey’s attacks against our people. We area ready to defend our land.”

After the speeches recruits danced the halay (a traditional dance of Kurdish people).

The training cycle is named after Texter Qetlo, who was killed by Turkish artillery fire on July 7.