SÎLVA EL ÎBRAHÎM

Hasakah- The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions have intensified their attacks on North and East Syria since November 27, 2024. The people of Manbij, a city controlled by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and its armed groups for about one month, have subjected to rights violations, including arrest, torture, violence and rape, keep calling on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women's Defense Units (YPJ) to save them from the SNA.

Sewsen Mishel, a resident of Manbij, sent a voice recording to NuJINHA, calling on the SDF and the YPJ to save them from the atrocity of the SNA. “Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, many armed groups have entered Manbij. Following the fall of the Assad regime, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army launched an offensive into North and East Syria. Since they took control of Manbij, the members of the SNA have confiscated the properties. They are not different from ISIS. When ISIS controlled the city, women were stoned to death, killed and subjected to all forms of violence. ISIS also killed, kidnapped and tortured men. Manbij was liberated from ISIS by the SDF and the YPJ between 2014 and 2016.”

‘The liberation of Manbij heralded a new life for us’

All people of Manbij celebrated the liberation of their city, Sewsen Mishel added. “For us, 2016 was the date of emerging from darkness into light. It was a historic moment for all people, especially women. The YPJ, SDF and Manbij Military Council played an important role in restoring the dignity of the people in the city. The liberation of Manbij heralded a new life for us. Following the liberation of the city, women started playing an important role in all facets of life, including military, education, health and social life.”

‘The first thing done by the SNA members was to confiscate the properties’

Women participated in the labor force after the liberation of Manbij, Sewsen Mishel emphasized. “The women of Manbij felt safe under the umbrella of the Autonomous Administration (of North and East Syria) and had the opportunity to participate in all facets of life for the first time. They played a leading role in society. However, the Turkish state and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army attacked Manbij in December 2024 and took control of the city. The first thing done by the SNA members was to confiscate the properties of citizens. They have entered houses and stolen the belongings of citizens. They kidnap young people and demand a ransom from their families for their release.”

‘We want to have a safe life again’

Speaking about what has changed for women since Manbij was occupied by the SNA, Sewsen Mishel said, “As women, we are afraid of going out because a 7-year-old girl was kidnapped and raped by a member of the Sultan Suleiman Shah Division (also known as “al-Amshat”) in Manbij about a week ago. People are afraid that the members of these armed groups will attack their homes and kidnap women and girls at any moment. Women pay the highest price in conflict and war and they are the first attacked. In addition, the people of the city suffer from water and power outages. There is no food because the members of the armed groups have already stolen everything. We call on the SDF and the YPJ to save us from these armed groups as soon as possible. We want to have a safe life again. If the people continue to face such rights violations, they will have to leave the city.”