Toward the end of 2024, the Turkish state and its affiliated Syrian National Army (SNA) proxies launched a large-scale offensive to seize Tishrin Dam, employing advanced military technology. In response, fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) have been displaying unprecedented resistance at Tishrin Dam for over two months, defending both the people and the land of North and East Syria. 

The local population has also mobilized to support the resistance, standing alongside the fighters. For the past 20 days, people from all over Northern and Eastern Syria have been traveling in convoys to Tishrin Dam, to show their solidarity with the fighters defending their homeland.

Among those who traveled to Tishrin in one of the support convoys and witnessed the spirit of resistance and the people's determination first hand was Kongra Star member Jiyan Hisên. Evaluating both the Turkish state's attacks and the resistance of SDF and YPJ fighters, Hisên said: "After the collapse of the Ba'ath regime in Syria and the transformations that followed, the Turkish state and its proxies intensified their attacks on the regions of Northern and Eastern Syria. Areas such as Manbij, Tishrin Dam, and the Karakozak Bridge in the Euphrates region have been particularly targeted, and these attacks continue. Over the past 20 days, the people have been standing by their fighters, defending their land and water, and keeping vigil at Tishrin Dam. Because the SDF and YPJ fighters are displaying resistance at Tishrin Dam, which is being etched into history."

Turkey cannot deter the people with its attacks

Jiyan Hisên said that she, along with the people of Qamişlo, Tirbespiyê, and Amûdê, traveled to Tishrin Dam in convoys and added: "People from many regions of Northern and Eastern Syria are traveling to Tishrin in convoys, sending a strong message of resistance to the Turkish state and its proxies. However, as these convoys approach the dam, the Turkish state directly targets them with heavy weaponry, artillery, and drones,  attempting to block them from reaching Tishrin and supporting their fighters. Despite these brutal attacks, people of all ages, young and old, including women with their children, remain steadfast in their determination to reach Tishrin. The people are making their stance clear, saying, ‘If the Turkish state does not allow us to pass in our vehicles, we will march on foot to reach our fighters.’"

Although the Turkish state seeks to obstruct the people with its attacks, the strength of their resistance and their unwavering dedication to the fighters is clearly visible. Due to the people's unwavering stance, we have been keeping watch at Tishrin Dam for three days. The SDF and YPJ fighters have been demonstrating historic resistance for over two months, countering the Turkish state's relentless attacks and advanced warfare tactics. The Turkish state is utilizing its most sophisticated weapons and war machines to intensify its aggression at Tishrin, yet the people are standing side by side with their fighters in this struggle. What we witness at Tishrin Dam is the reality of the revolutionary people's war. Mothers, fathers, and siblings are standing by the fighters, supporting them and showcasing this undeniable truth to the world."

We will defend Tishrin Dam!

Emphasizing that the determination and resistance of the people provide strength to the fighters, Jiyan Hisên said: "In the face of the Turkish state’s heavy attacks, the people's resilience gives the fighters tremendous morale and strength. Traditional  dances are performed for freedom. They boost the morale of the fighters on the front lines. While the Turkish state continues its shelling, mothers respond with traditional chants, affirming that our fighters are standing strong. For over two months, the Turkish state and its proxies have waged war at Tishrin Dam, attempting to advance further. However, thanks to the unwavering resistance of our fighters, they have not moved forward even a single step. Every day, we witness new victories by our fighters at Tishrin. 

The message from the people of Northern and Eastern Syria, the fighters, and all those resisting is clear: We will never abandon Tishrin Dam! The people of this region have been fighting and resisting every day for the past 13 years. Just as the Kobanê resistance of 2014 resonated across the world, the resistance at Tishrin Dam in 2025 will also resonate globally. Our people are once again making history, defending their land, their water, their country, and their very existence."