Surkol Sheikho

Tel Tamer — The Rojava Revolution, now entering its thirteenth year, has faced serious challenges that threaten its achievements and affect other parts of Kurdistan. The region is subjected to repeated attacks by jihadists of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, alongside Turkish military pressure. These threats have prompted residents to declare a general mobilization to defend the gains achieved over the past years.

Participants in the general mobilization declared in Rojava following the attacks by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham jihadists affirm that their goal is to protect the model of free life they have established and to ensure its continuity through a process of integration that strengthens social cohesion and fortifies the experience against existing dangers.

Nineteen-year-old Holer Hussein and her mother, Jamila Rasho, a mother of four, joined the Women’s Internal Security Forces, where they carry out their duty to protect the city. In an interview with our agency, Jamila Rasho and Holer Hussein affirmed their firm rejection of the attacks targeting the region, stressing the importance of defending the land and preserving the achievements of society.

“The Country Needs Us”

For six years, 46-year-old Jamila Rasho has patrolled the streets of Tel Tamer carrying her weapon, instilling strength and hope among citizens and travelers from diverse backgrounds, including Kurds, Arabs, and Assyrians. She emphasized that she and her daughter are fully prepared to protect the country during this sensitive and dangerous phase, stating, “The country needs us today.”

Jamila Rasho has dedicated her life to defending existence and freedom, alongside her responsibilities of caring for her family and raising her children for a free homeland. She affirmed that while her heart is with her children, she cannot abandon her national duty or ignore the call of the land.

She stressed that their country was built with the blood of martyrs, calling on everyone to protect their land, noting that “life in our homeland is not easy.” She renewed her pledge to continue fulfilling her duty until the last drop of blood, saying, “My weapon is not a heavy burden; betrayal is heavier. The weapon represents honor and dignity for us. Therefore, armed defense is the only way to safeguard rights, protect the language, and preserve the identity of the homeland.”

“The Hand That Once Held a Pen Holds a Weapon Today”

Holer Hussein joined the Women’s Internal Security Forces alongside her mother. She was a student but left her studies after the attacks on the region began, choosing to take up arms and join the forces.

She stated that her participation aims to confront attacks targeting culture, freedom, and freedom of expression, noting that her mother is her companion in defending existence and honor. “Fieldwork does not recognize the relationship between mother and daughter; everyone is united under the banner of comrades-in-arms,” she said, expressing her great pride in having her mother by her side in this mission.

She pointed out that the enemy launches attacks from all directions, stressing the need for residents to remain vigilant and continue defending their neighborhoods and cities. “If we want to see better days, we must know how to emerge from the darkness. Women will not be able to defend themselves without weapons,” she said, calling for strengthening women’s unity as a fundamental pillar in protecting the land and freedom.