The Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) released a statement on the 5th anniversary of the start of the Turkish invasion of Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain) and Girê Spî (Tal Abyad) on 9 October 2019and called for an end to the occupation of Syrian territories by Turkey. All types of weapons were used in air and ground attacks carried out by the Turkish army and jihadist mercenary troops, including internationally banned weapons, which ultimately led to the occupation of the two cities.

The invasion five years ago, like the occupation of Afrin in spring 2018, was the result of international agreements and collusion and attacked the system of self-government, targeting a people struggling for their dignity and freedom, DAANES emphasised. “This deal is directed against all Syrians and is an additional project to prevent a Syrian consensus and a clear orientation towards Syrian sovereignty. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, the people of our region have distanced themselves from any conflict that aims to seize power, but rather sought a historic democratic struggle through their various components to build their free and democratic will and decision.”

The DAANES stated that the liberation of Afrin, Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî and the return of the displaced population remains an unyielding goal. The autonomous administration noted that many valuable people were killed and injured in the defence of the region, commemorating the fallen heroes with gratitude and bowing with great respect to the war-wounded.

DAANES also reaffirmed the unity, solidarity and persistence of our people in the project of the democratic nation, which constitutes the basic and important framework for achieving sustainable victory and encircling all enemies' attempts to dominate, expand and impose projects.

“We call on all international forces working with Turkey and its mercenaries to reconsider their policies, and we call on all UN, human rights and humanitarian powers to work to form an independent commission to investigate the violations and practices of mercenaries in the occupied areas, and to bring those responsible to justice.

The continuation of the occupation by Turkey and its mercenaries means a continuation of the chaos and the direct support of all extremist forces, including ISIS. Therefore, ending the occupation is a prerequisite for stability and maintaining security, and it is a strategic decision that we will not deviate from. Based on the determination of our people and the march of our martyrs, we will achieve victory and defeat the occupation,” said DAANES.