HESNA MIHEMED

Shahba- The people, who were displaced from Afrin to Shahba when the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions occupied Afrin on March 18,2018, keep resisting all the difficult living conditions. The Turkish attacks and the siege imposed by the Damascus government have not allowed the entry of fuel and other essential supplies to the region. The displaced people of Afrin think that such policies aim to break their will and determination, stressing that they will resist despite all the difficulties.

 ‘We will never accept to surrender’

Guneyî Hesûn, a displaced woman of Afrin living in Shahba, emphasizes that they will always resist “all kinds of hostile policies in occupied areas and never accept to surrender. The Turkish state attacks the region every day but we are not afraid of the weapons of Erdoğan (President of Türkiye). Our message to the occupiers is that you will not be able to break our strong will. Our presence in Shahba will ensure a dignified return to Afrin.”

 ‘The Damascus government must fulfill its duty’

Guneyî Hesûn called on international organizations and the Damascus government to “fulfill their duties. Displaced people of Afrin are subjected to oppressive policies and difficult living conditions. We call on international organizations to put pressure on the Damascus government to lift the siege. As Syrian citizens, we must unite and liberate Syrian territories from armed factions.”

 ‘Afrin will be liberated’

We endure all difficult living conditions in order to return to Afrin, said Fehîma Hemo, another displaced woman of Afrin. “We are subjected to the ongoing Turkish attacks. Our children cannot sleep comfortably and without fear. We have been subjected to the Turkish attacks and the siege imposed by the Damascus government for seven years. Despite everything, we keep resisting. As the Syrian people, we will keep resisting to have a peaceful and stable life.”