The Turkish army launched occupation attacks on Northern and Eastern Syria on 23 October. As a result of these attacks, great damage was caused to the infrastructure of the region, while 17 civilians were killed and 65 were injured. The people living in Northern and Eastern Syria spoke to ANF and gave a message of resistance.

"Stability and unity of the people are targeted"

Ubeyd Ettê said: "These are attacks that are taking place as a result of their dirty policies. With these attacks, they want to commit genocide, especially the Kurdish people. In addition, by implementing the policy of displacement, they aim to de-identify, de-territorialize and carry out cultural genocide. The lands of Northern and Eastern Syria have the most stable life in Syria. In this way, Turkey is also trying to disrupt stability and peace. They want to eliminate the brotherhood of the peoples that were created by thwarting the democratic nation project."

"We will win if we resist"

Ubeyd Ettê highlighted that the attacks aim to sow discord between the people and the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria, saying: "Those who supposedly speak of democracy, justice, and equality have turned a blind eye to these attacks. We neither saw nor heard any substantial reaction from them. Our people know very well the true nature of these forces. We have no expectations from anyone.

Our people are steadfast in resistance and will continue their struggle. The people are united, drawing strength from each other and the Democratic Nation project. They understand that the solution lies in the Democratic Nation. These attacks do not intimidate the people nor cause them to retreat from resistance. On the contrary, we have seen that we win when we resist."

Ubeyd Ettê continued: "We have charted our path with the blood of martyrs. The people are aware that they have reached this point through the sacrifices made by the martyrs. They know that resistance is their only option and will never accept surrender. It is the people who will succeed."

"The Turkish state hit a wall"

Ehsa Kasabiyan, from the Armenian community, described the Turkish state as a fascist power that "thirsts for the blood of the people." Kasabiyan said: "They try to present themselves as strong by shedding the blood of other peoples, demonstrating their cruelty once again through these attacks. But the Turkish state is actually a very desperate state. If Turkey thinks it is strong by attacking people, it is mistaken. Although they cannot admit it, they have hit a wall in the face of the people’s resistance and have succumbed to our strength."

Ehsa Kasabiyan commented on the effects of the attacks, saying: "Children and the elderly have been particularly affected. Due to the intense assaults, some children are unable to attend school. Our old also face serious health issues, which have worsened as a result of these attacks. The elderly are the wisdom-keepers of this society, having witnessed the shedding of blood of hundreds of thousands and experienced profound suffering. Inevitably, they are negatively impacted by the outcomes of these assaults. Yet, despite all the hardships and pain, people are united in resistance. No one asks if someone is Kurdish, Arab, or Armenian. I see a spirit of solidarity here."

Kasabiyan also noted that there has been no internal displacement in Northern and Eastern Syria, despite the attacks. "In the past, people would move to areas with fewer attacks. Now, however, they do not leave their homes. They see it as their duty to protect their neighborhoods. They understand that if they can’t protect their land, they can’t safeguard their children. Without their land, they know they cannot build a promising future for the next generation."

"Women respond with resistance"

Fatma Casim, from the Arab community, highlighted the objectives behind the attacks, saying: "The Turkish state has targeted essential infrastructure and public services in the region. These assaults aim to instill fear, force depopulation, and disrupt the local communities. Additionally, they seek to dismantle the brotherhood among peoples and destroy the philosophy of communal coexistence."

Casim underlined their determination to stand as a "circle of fire" alongside the Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, and Armenian communities in the face of these attacks. She said: "We will work hand in hand to build our country. Only Leader Abdullah Ocalan has granted freedom and rights to women. We know that the Turkish state always targets women first. The aim is to break women’s will, but the women of Rojava have shown immense strength and resistance in all areas, from social to military spheres. The women’s resistance has been the answer to these assaults."