Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their operation to remove ISIS gangs from Hajin and its vicinity, the last area they hold along the Syrian-Iraqi border. There have been intense clashes in several spots in the region in recent days due to sand storms, while fighters continue their advance with high morale.

Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs and all peoples of the region take their place in the SDF with their own colors to liberate their lands, and each fighter has a story for why they fight. SDF includes a diverse range of people who all have their own colors, language, clans and faiths. Fighters say they fight shoulder to shoulder as the children of the region’s peoples and they aim to build a free and democratic country.

Most of the fighters in the operation are from Deir ez-Zor and Hesekê and have been subjected to ISIS tyranny in the past. Most of them have family or relatives who were murdered by gangs, and they say they fight to end the suffering of the region’s peoples.

SDF fighter Fadî Hilêl said: “I am from Shaddadi, and I’m in the Shaddadi forces. Gangs killed 25 people from my family. I fight to avenge them. I have been in the YPG since 2016. I have been in the Jarablus, Manbij and Raqqa battles. And now I’m in the Deir ez-Zor operation.”

SDF fighter Elwan Sherabî said they launched the operation on the call of the people of Deir ez-Zor. Elwan Sherabî said: “I am from the Mehbede region of Rimêlan. I’m part of the heavy weapons force. We are here to defend our honor and dignity. We are ready to protect our people wherever there is a need for us, armed with the philosophy of our Leader. We are here now as a response to the call the people of Deir ez-Zor made. By Allah’s grace, we will prevail here and in Afrin.”

SDF fighter Ronî Shihêtat said they defend their lands with great morale in the ranks of the SDF: “We fight for our lands, our dignity and our honor. We will fight to soothe the pain of our people, and to end terrorism.”