Afrin Autonomous Administration issued a statement to mark the 8th anniversary of the proclamation of Afrin Democratic Autonomous Administration.

"After the beginning of the Syrian revolution and the peoples' change and rejection of everything that is far from their interests, the situation in Syria has turned into a power struggle in which entered the interests of international and regional states," the statement said.

Underlining that "Kurdish, Arab and Assyrian peoples in Rojava have chosen to stay away from this bloody war and implement instead the democratic nation model which is based on the fraternity of peoples and women's freedom," the statement added that "the Autonomous Administration was established and proclaimed in Afrin on 29 January 2014 rooted on freedom, democratic justice and the development of infrastructure."

'We will free our lands'

The statement continued: "The Turkish state, reviving its Ottoman Empire mentality, occupied Afrin, which was strenuously defended by heroes such as Barin, Avesta and Eylem. Turkey used ISIS mercenaries and ignored international laws, and benefited in its attacks from the silence of world public opinion.

After being displaced to the Shehba Region, the Autonomous Administration continued its struggle thanks to the unity of the people of Afrin and Shehba. What happened in Sina Prison in Hesekê last week is the best example of Turkish state phobia and an indication of its hostility towards the stability of Northern and Eastern Syria."

The statement said: "On the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the Afrin Canton Democratic Autonomous Administration, we reiterate our promise to the martyrs and our determination to increase the struggle. We will continue the resistance until Afrin, the land of olives and peace, and the other areas of Shehba are liberated."