Asmaa Mohammad
Qamishlo — Women’s forces play a pivotal role in leading military operations, defending the regions of North and East Syria, protecting society, preserving the historical identity of the peoples of the region, and strengthening balance and partnership among all components of the Syrian people.

The Beth Nahrain Women’s Protection Forces, which are part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), represent a unique model of an organized women’s force. They were established in 2015 in response to ISIS attacks on Christian villages along the Khabur River in 2013, during which women and communities were targeted through various forms of violence, rape, and killing.

Since then, these forces have transformed into a symbol of women’s resistance and an effective military force striving to protect land, society, and historical and religious identity, while enhancing security and stability for all components.

Targeting of Christian Villages

The tragic events witnessed by the Khabur villages in 2013 were not merely passing incidents, but a clear indication of the urgent need for an organized women’s force capable of protecting women, society, and land from any threat. From this necessity emerged the idea of forming these women’s forces as a symbol of resistance and a specialized military force to defend rights and dignity, and to protect the historical and religious identity of the people.

The spokesperson for the Beth Nahrain Women’s Protection Forces, Nour Srian, highlighted the central role of women’s forces in protecting society and ensuring women’s participation as active partners in defending the homeland and shaping the political and social future.

She emphasized that the presence of women in the military field is no longer an option, but has become a strategic necessity to ensure social balance and stability of security and political conditions.

The Military Role of Women’s Forces

The establishment of the Beth Nahrain Women’s Protection Forces was not a fleeting event, as Nour Srian explained, but rather the result of real and practical awareness of the necessity of empowering women to defend themselves, their communities, and their land, especially after direct attacks by ISIS that targeted women.

She stressed that the women’s forces are not merely a military unit, but a symbol of resistance and women’s solidarity:
“These forces reflect the will of women to protect their community and safeguard the values and principles that represent us as a people.”

She noted that the military role of the forces includes defending the land, identity, historical and religious values, and protecting women and children.
“These tasks make the forces a strategic element in defending society and protecting its rights. The women’s forces carry a dual responsibility: self-defense and community protection, while emphasizing their role in building a balanced society capable of facing future challenges.”

Military Readiness and Community Defense

Nour Srian explained that constant readiness is the cornerstone of preparedness to confront any sudden threat, whether military, social, or media-related.
“This readiness makes the women’s forces an effective element in rapid response and in protecting civilians and society as a whole.”

Military and Ideological Training

The training undergone by the Beth Nahrain forces is diverse and comprehensive, including military, ideological, political, and organizational training, aimed at preparing women to defend their cause and understand the nature of the conflict they face.
“Today, defense is no longer limited to physical strength; it is an intellectual and strategic matter first and foremost. Comrades train on how to confront psychological, social, and media warfare, and how to adhere to the principles and ideas they defend before carrying weapons.”

Such training, she noted, gives women the ability to remain steadfast in the face of challenges, strengthens initiative and responsibility, and enables them to become effective elements in protecting society, while developing leadership skills, organization, and military discipline—making them capable of facing the most difficult and complex situations.

Military Discipline and Women’s Participation

She clarified that military discipline among women is deeply rooted in women’s nature, as they demonstrate a high capacity for commitment to rules and discipline more quickly and more steadily than men, especially when linked to a principle or cause they believe in.
“By nature, women are disciplined, and when they assume a defensive or leadership responsibility, their commitment to laws and discipline becomes instinctive. This discipline enhances the ability of women’s forces to organize operations, achieve the required military effectiveness, and succeed in complex missions. It makes women true partners in military and social operations and ensures the continuation of balance between women’s participation and effectiveness in defending society.”

Inclusivity and Collective Freedom

She described the Beth Nahrain Women’s Protection Forces as an inclusive force that encompasses all components, considering that women’s individual freedom is inseparably linked to the collective freedom of all women in society.
“If one woman is free and able to defend herself while another is deprived of that right, then freedom has not been fully achieved. We work to ensure the freedom of all women, empowering them to participate effectively in defending themselves and their society, and achieving equality and justice for all components.”

According to Nour Srian, this approach strengthens social cohesion and creates a society capable of facing challenges together, achieving genuine partnership among all components.

Coordination with the Syrian Democratic Forces

The Beth Nahrain Women’s Protection Forces are part of the defensive system in North and East Syria and operate under the umbrella of the Syrian Democratic Forces. They coordinate with military forces in the region and internal security to ensure the protection of all components.
“This coordination enhances mutual understanding among all components, creates space for joint cooperation, and makes the Syrian Democratic Forces an integrated force capable of protecting everyone, while respecting the customs and traditions of each component and ensuring cohesive national unity. This coordination reflects the value of partnership and enables every component to defend itself and its community within a comprehensive protection framework for all people and land.”

Challenges Faced by Women in the Military Field

As with any field, challenges were inevitable. Nour Srian explained that societal rejection was the most prominent obstacle.
“From the beginning, women faced social resistance to their involvement in the military field, and resources were sometimes limited. But through determination and perseverance, we overcame these obstacles, and women proved themselves in military campaigns against ISIS in al-Hol, al-Shaddadi, and Raqqa.”

She noted that these experiences confirmed that women are not only capable of participation, but can also be influential and decisive elements in shaping the balance of power within society and on the battlefield.

The Impact of Women’s Forces on the Future

Nour Srian pointed out that the presence of women’s forces has a long-term impact on the future of society.
“The presence of women in the military field reflects a genuine partnership in defense and future-building. Women are no longer marginalized from the military scene; they have become active participants in decision-making, community-building, and ensuring the continuity of balance among all components—guaranteeing the protection of rights and the construction of an integrated and sustainable society.”

She added that this presence strengthens women’s role as active partners in society and ensures the continued protection of land, identity, and values for all components in the future.

A Message of Strength and Empowerment to All Women

In conclusion, the spokesperson for the Beth Nahrain Women’s Protection Forces, Nour Srian, addressed a message to all women of the Syriac, Assyrian, Chaldean people, and all Syrian components, affirming:
“Our duty today is to defend the land, the homeland, rights, and society. Every woman has the right to participate, learn, and be a true partner in defending the homeland and building a democratic society based on justice and equality. We are your voice; we are here to convey your message and to ensure that every woman lives in freedom and dignity, and becomes part of an effective force that builds the future.