The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who liberated the city of Raqqa in late 2017, continued their campaign against ISIS in 2018 and also resisted the attacks by Turkish state which represents the political support for ISIS. Responding to Turkish occupation in Afrin, the People’s/Women’s Defense Units (YPG/YPJ) which are the leading components of the SDF, heroically resisted, and the resistance continues to this day. On the other hand SDF operations against ISIS resumed and final blows to the terrorist group were delivered in Deir ez-Zor region.

In an interview with ANF, SDF spokesperson Kino Gabriel evaluated the military developments in 2018. Gabriel stated that their forces accomplished considerable victories against ISIS, and continued their resistance in Afrin. Gabriel added that a historical resistance was experienced in Afrin, and it will continue until the area is entirely liberated.

Heroic resistance

Gabriel pointed out to the achievements in 2018, “It was a year full of successes, our combatants bravely resisted. Indeed the YPG and YPJ significantly contributed to this resistance as they are a major component within the SDF. Specifically in Afrin, an unprecedented resistance was mounted in action against Turkish occupation and affiliated mercenary groups,” said Gabriel.

Relentless resistance in Afrin

“Afrin was occupied yet the resistance endures persistently. Severe blows were delivered to Turkish army and their mercenary groups. Our forces will not allow a day pass without an action against the occupiers, we will target them nonstop. We are confident in our forces in this regard,” said the SDF spokesperson.

Deir ez-Zor Campaign

Gabriel mentioned the ongoing struggle against ISIS and said: “The Cizire Storm campaign continued in 2018, we managed to secure notable achievements against ISIS in areas south of Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor region, a vast terrain was liberated. These operations are ongoing, we believe that our forces will soon be able to completely defeat ISIS there.”

Liberated areas were handed over to civil institutions

Gabriel stated that their forces worked insistently to protect stability in the liberated areas, “In late 2017 the SDF attained important achievements and liberated Raqqa from ISIS. This led to the creation of Raqqa Civil Council which took over the city’s administration immediately afterwards. The rebuilding process followed and steps were taken to help the return the IDPs to their home. The same method goes for other liberated regions where our forces also operated against ISIS sleeper cells.”

We will defend Syria’s future

SDF spokesperson Kino Gabriel stressed that their forces have always struggled for a democratic and equal Syria, and that they will continue doing so. “For a better Syria in future, we will continue defending our projects. The SDF and the Syrian Democratic Council (MSD) have a great chance to further develop the project,” he added.

Our struggle will not stop

SDF spokesperson also commented on US decision to withdraw forces from Syria, adding that their struggle will not be stopped, “It is being said that we will not be able to defend ourselves, yet we have our own solutions. We have the power and project and required forces to protect our people,” said Gabriel.