The resistance of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) at the Tishrin Dam and Qereqozax Bridge, which have been under attack by the Turkish military and its proxies since 8 December 2024, has been joined by the people of Northern and Eastern Syria. Since 8 January, tpeople have been going in convoys to the Tishrin Dam to take shifts and stand guard. Despite the ongoing Turkish bombardment, which has so far resulted in more than 20 people killed and over 200 wounded, the people's resistance continues.

Journalist Ciwana Cuma, who is following the war and the people's resistance in Tishrin Dam, spoke to ANF.

Everyone is part of this resistance

Journalist Ciwana Cuma told the sad story of the young mother and father who left their baby at home to join the resistance and were killed in a drone attack. She said: "A 75-year-old man, walking with a stick, went to Tishrin Dam despite his illness to took part in the vigil and protect the people’s water and energy. An 80-year-old mother, forced to migrate due to the invasion attacks, walks toward the dam despite her illness. Today, everyone is part of this resistance and does what they can."

A people focused on victory

Recalling a mother's words, "We are greater than death," Ciwana Cuma continued: "This phrase symbolizes the spirit of resistance among the people at the dam today. The massacres carried out by the invaders have only strengthened the people's determination. The convoys heading to the dam have not stopped. Each convoy is targeted before even reaching the dam. Seeing that this does not deter anyone further proves the determination of this resistance. The people in the convoys targeted on the road reach the dam on foot. I see the essence of a people who reject surrender and are focused on victory. After the attacks, the people carry their wounded and continue their halay dances. The halay dances are a message to the Turkish state: Despite the attacks, our resistance will continue."

The martyrdom of Menîce and Bavê Teyar

Two symbolic figures, Menîce Heyder and Bavê Teyar (Cuma Xelîl), who arrived at the dam from Qamishlo on 17 January, revitalized the spirit of resistance. Ciwana Cuma said the following about the two martyrs: "Mother Menîce came here with great morale and enthusiasm. She was advanced in age, but her spirit was young. The smile on her face and the excitement in her heart reflected onto those around her. Bavê Teyar had prepared a sketch to boost the resistance. He was going to present it to the people on 18 January. However, because of the attacks carried out by the invaders that day, he could not perform it. After the attacks, once the wounded were carried away, the people gathered again. As they began to dance the halay and continue their resistance, they were targeted by the invaders. That day, the resistance at the Tishrin Dam grew even stronger with the shouting of the mothers, the halay dances of the people, and their chants. The dam will never fall to the Turkish state, chanted the people."

Following in the spirit of Cihan and Nazim

Journalist Cuma drew attention to the targeting of journalists covering the resistance at the Tishrin Dam by the occupying Turkish state, stating that this is not new. She said: "The invaders want to hide their dirty policies and savage attacks by preventing the truth from coming to light. While documenting every massacre carried out by the invaders, the pen and camera of Cihan Bilgin and Nazım Daştan are always kept alive in the field. Cihan and Nazım stood against the invasion attacks and documented every moment. It is sad that our journalist comrades and our people are targeted, but with every comrade targeted, our determination to uphold their efforts, legacy, and resistance grows stronger. These attacks only increase our anger against the invaders."

Statements are not enough against attacks on journalists

Ciwana Cuma criticized the relevant institutions and organizations that defend and protect journalists' rights for merely issuing written statements, adding: "Some of our journalist comrades who were targeted were injured, while others were killed. Issuing written statements alone is not enough against these attacks. It is also insufficient for the relevant institutions and organizations to say they defend journalists' rights. The primary goal of journalists is to convey the truth in its entirety. This duty and responsibility of ours is being obstructed by attacks. Therefore, a statement is not enough; the occupying aggressors must be held accountable."