After the invading Turkish state entered Afrin and started pillaging, the Birj Al-Qas, Mezin, Kilute, Zirniet, Miyase and Bashmire villages of the Sherawa district were surrounded and blockaded by the Turkish state on one side and the Syrian regime forces on the other. The villagers haven’t left their home despite 7 months of blockade and attacks by the Turkish state, and are waiting for the day Afrin will be liberated.

Villager Remedan Nasru said the Turkish state constantly targets them and added: “The Turkish state was bombing the vicinity of the villages at first. Now they directly target the village and civilians in it.” Remedan said the threats and attacks can’t scare them away and they will defend their villages to the end.

Mihemed Eli said they have been under a blockade for months: “We will continue to resist in our village. This is our land, we will never abandon it and leave.”

Ebdulmecid Sileman, who left the Birj Sileman village due to Turkish state attacks and settled in the Birj Al Qas village said, “In this life we have no option but to resist. We will resist until Afrin is free again.”