HASAKA, Syria - Despite the recent extension of a ceasefire between the Syrian Arab Army and Kurdish forces in northeast Syria (Rojava), the army continues its attacks. Kurdish fighters have reinforced their positions to prevent further advances by Damascus-affiliated forces.
"Yesterday, they carried out an attack on the Melabya front. There was supposed to be a ceasefire, but they still attacked. We responded and killed nearly 45 gangs. They cannot [defeat us]. We are always ready [to respond] for the sake of Kurds and the Kurdish state. We are ready to fight everywhere. No matter what they do they cannot defeat Kurds," Shoreshvan Qamishloy, a member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said.
In Hasaka's Muftiya area, only four kilometers from the frontlines, a large number of residents have refused to leave their homes. They say this land is the soil of their ancestors.
"This is Kurdish land and will remain so for good. And the Kurds will win and obtain their rights. Hopefully they will become the most powerful state in the Middle East. I call on all Kurds to remain in their homes, and it is an honor to protect their homes, streets and villages," Ghafour Mahmoud, a resident of the area, told Rudaw.
In the center of Hasaka city, men and women, young and old alike, continue to raise morale for the fighters. The flag they carry symbolizes their determination to live in peace and stability under its shade.