‘We are not afraid, we have chosen to resist’

Speaking about the ongoing Turkish attacks on North and East Syria, Rîm Cewher, member of the Women’s Internal Security Forces in the Zirgan town of Cizîre Canton, said, “We are not afraid and we have chosen to resist.”

SORGUL ŞEXO

Hasakah- The people living in the Zirgan town of Cizîre Canton, northeastern Syria, have been resisting the Turkish attacks for five years. They are determined to defend their hometown.

The Women’s Internal Security Forces play an important role in protecting civilians in the town. NuJINHA spoke to Rîm Cewher, member of the Women’s Internal Security Forces, about the ongoing Turkish attacks on the town.

“The occupying Turkish state targets civilians by using heavy weapons. Turkish drones consistently fly over the town. We do our best to protect civilians, especially women and children. In addition, we patrol streets of the town and its villages to maintain peace and security. Our people keep watch at the checkpoints with us,” Rîm Cewher said.

‘Women are subjected to attacks’

The Turkish state directly targets women in its attacks, Rîm Cewher told NuJINHA. “Women are most affected by the Turkish attacks. Women working in the agricultural fields, baking bread and doing housework are targeted by the Turkish state.” One of the most important duties of the Women’s Internal Security forces is to transfer the injured to hospitals or health centers. “We are ready to provide help to injured people, especially women. We have a team of first responders, who provide pre-hospital care for injured people.”

‘People are returning to the town’

The citizens, who left the town due to the attacks, are returning to the town, said Rîm Cewher. “As the Internal Security Forces, we are always with our people; we are motivated by them and they are motivated by us. The civilians maintain their daily routines despite the Turkish drones and warplanes.

‘We will defend our town together’

“We welcome the new year under bombardment and attacks. Our people and we are not afraid because we have chosen to resist. We will protect our people to the end and together we will defend and rebuild our town.”