"YPJ is playing a leading role in Raqqa"

YPJ fighter Sarîna Bêrîtan spoke about the role of the women in the Operation to Liberate Raqqa and said: "In Raqqa, the YPJ has undertaken the role of leading the society". Bêrîtan stated that they want to fortify this leading position of theirs.

Women's Defense Units (YPJ) Press Office published a video of some YPJ fighters partaking in the Operation to Liberate Raqqa. In that video footage Women's Defence Units (YPJ) member Sarîna Bêrîtan spoke about the role the women play in the Great Battle for Raqqa.

Bêrîtan stated that until now the YPJ took part in many operations throughout Rojava and Northern Syria, yet the Operation to Liberate Raqqa was of another dimension. Bêrîtan noted that this difference was due to the fact that Raqqa was declared the so-called capital of ISIS.

Bêrîtan remarked that women joined the operation more intensely as torture, violence and oppressions against women reached new heights in Raqqa, and said: "Consequently the YPJ strives to rescue all women that were taken hostage by the ISIS gangs. They want to grab the hands and help those women who have been aggrieved by ISIS in Raqqa, and they will also succeed in this aim of theirs."

YPJ fighter Sarîna Bêrîtan recalled that fighters of the Women's Defense Units (YPJ) in the Operation to Liberate Raqqa are versatile in many aspects and said that they are playing important roles in the attacks, take it from the war coordination to the responsibility they carry.

Bêrîtan continued saying: "The fighters of the YPJ have come forth as leading figures of society. This was cause for huge morale. We want to amplify our role on this trail of the women's freedom and leadership. The greater one's leading role is, the more does it leave an impact on every single person."

Bêrîtan added that following Raqqa's liberation, they want all women and the people of Raqqa to stand up for this new life, that has been achieved at a high price and through massive resistance.