The people of Raqqa were subjected to inhumane practices during their city’s occupation by the DAESH mercenaries.

Great and unspeakable suffering were experienced. However, the citizen of the city did not bow to the oppression they were exposed to and joined the resistance led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Like many Raqqa citizens, Mistefa, who did not step back when the city needed him, joined the resistance despite his old age.

Mistefa, 74, was living in the neighbourhood of al-Teyara with his seven children and was violently attacked by DAESH mercenaries.

Mistefa's sons Emmar Mistefa al-Hemed (Emmar Raqqa) and Ibrahim (Qenas) were martyred during the campaign to liberate Raqqa.

Emmar Mistefa al-Hemed's family migrated from the city in 1994, when Emmar was born. He had joined the SDF in Ayn Isa and was martyred on 10 October, during the assault launched to liberate Raqqa.

His brother Ibrahim, married and father of 2, died in the city during the same Liberation campaign 5 days after Emmar.

Another of Mistefa’ son, Xalid, joined the SDF to continue his brothers’ resistance. Xalid is now part of the Cizire Storm campaign to defeat terror.

Mistefa said that he is very proud of his children. “My son Xalid - he said - is now fighting against the mercenaries in Der Ez-zor. If I was not sick, I would be at my son’s side”.

Ending his story, Mistefa, who thanked the SDF for their liberation campaigns, said: “We will follow the path of our martyrs until we expel terror from every corner of Syria”.