The General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), represented by Rohilat Afrin, along with the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, visited Tishrin Dam and saluted the heroic resistance of the people through a joint meeting.

Rohilat Afrin began her speech by honoring the loyal martyrs of the revolution in North and East Syria and drew attention to the continuous hard work and sacrifices made by the war-wounded throughout the revolution. She also praised the people’s steadfast resistance across all of Rojava for thirteen consecutive years, saying: “We have sacrificed thousands of noble martyrs and wounded comrades in this revolution. If we are gathered here today with peaceful hearts, it is thanks to our people who have been resisting tirelessly for thirteen years. Among those thirteen years, these past five months have stood out as a period of unparalleled resistance in history. As the Women’s Protection Units and the Syrian Democratic Forces, we fought fierce battles on the frontlines without hesitation, and we are prepared to remain on the frontlines from now on, no matter the risks. We are here thanks to our people and their courageous resistance, led by our mothers and fathers. We salute and bless this resistance, embodied in your presence, on behalf of all the peoples of North and East Syria.”

“We are greater than death”

Rohilat Afrin continued her speech by highlighting the vanguard role of the people and their solidarity with the fighters, stating: “In the face of the passion, awareness, and will of our people, and the bravery and courage of the women who stood on this dam with the slogan ‘We are greater than death,’ history was written once again. No matter the other challenges we face today, we, as warriors of this people and as your children, are confident that we will show the same resistance and adopt the same stance in struggle and perseverance. There is no doubt that many politicians, laborers, fighters, artists, pioneers, and leaders were martyred for the sake of this noble resistance. People from all components and social classes—girls and boys, dedicated journalists, and others—sacrificed their precious lives to prevent the enemies of our achievements from crossing this dam.”

“We will embellish this revolution with women’s leadership”

At the end of her speech, Rohilat Afrin praised the courage of the brave fighters and promised the people to continue the resistance. She said: “We in the Women’s Protection Units have engaged in a unique struggle for decades and are still continuing our fight. Without a doubt, in the resistance of Tishrin Dam, and in the person of every comrade, we demonstrated the truth that our people have always been our fundamental measure. There is a principle in revolutions that says: as long as the people are with you, it is not easy for the revolution to fall. And it is not easy for the revolution to forget its values. Until this very moment, many of our comrades remain on the frontlines. This means that this land and these achievements are always and forever protected. Therefore, we promise our people and the resistance they have shown that we will defend our people and their achievements, regardless of the conditions and challenges we face. We will embellish this revolution with women’s leadership and crown it with success. Once again, we salute you. Long live the unity of peoples. Long live the resistance of the Syrian Democratic Forces. Long live the resistance of the Women’s Protection Units. Jin, Jiyan, Azadî – Woman, Life, Freedom!”