The celebrations to mark Raqqa's first anniversary since its liberation from DAESH mercenaries, are taking place at al-Awsad stadium.

Speaking at the celebration, attended by thousands of people, Raqqa Civil Council Co-Chair, Leyla Mustafa, began her speech by remembering and paying tribute to the martyrs who fell: “There are no words to express the happiness and joy we are experiencing today. Today we celebrate the first anniversary of the liberation of our city. All together, we are celebrating, the martyrs’ families, SDF fighters, Homeland Security Forces, Autonomous Administration representatives, the people of Cizire, Fırat (Euphrates), Afrin, Manbij, Tabqa and Deir ez-Zor. Our city has gone through very difficult times, and we know that”.

Leyla Mustafa noted that the victory of Raqqa was the victory and joy of everyone. She thanked all and everyone who offered their support to the efforts to liberate Raqqa.

Emphasizing the relentless and determined resistance shown during the Raqqa Liberation Initiative, Leyla Mustafa said that this resistance proves that the will of the peoples conquers all, and continued: “Although some circles have no belief in the liberation of the city, our city was liberated thanks to the resistance and heroism of the SDF fighters. And it is thanks to them that we are here today rebuilding our city”.

In her speech, Mustafa promised the people of Raqqa that they would be able to build a beautiful future as well as the reconstruction of the city, and said that they would never step back from this target, and would do everything they could to serve and rebuild the city and future of the people.

Ending her remarks, Leyla Mustafa underlined that they will insist on building a democratic and decentralized Syria for a bright and safe future.