Young people in Manbij city of Northern Syria held a press conference in response to the Turkish state’s threats to occupy Northern and Eastern Syria.

“Rise up, struggle and tear down Turkish occupation with revolutionary spirit” read the banner unfurled by the protesters.

Reading the press statement, Manbij Youth Council Co-chair Selah Cuma said the following; “We tell fascist Erdoğan and his government that we will use our legitimate right to self-defense, at any cost, in the event of an attack on our sacred lands.”

The statement continued;

“We have declared mobilization from Manbij to Derik. We, the people, say as one voice; “No to Turkish occupation”. We call on all Syrians to make themselves a shield against occupation and to defend every inch of their land.”