Some time ago the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced an offensive aimed at liberating al-Hawl. The combined Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian and Turkmen forces managed to liberate over 1,400 KM2 in two weeks. They have announced that their next aim is to liberate all of Hasakah Governorate from ISIS. This map shows the situation in the Southern part of Hasakah Governorate.

Councils are being set up in the newly liberated villages. These councils aim at solving issues and facing challenges on a local scale. In each canton (Province) of Rojava there are these kind local councils. Just some days ago a Council in Tal Abyad helped solve a 32-year old Tribal dispute (Source). For those interested, here you can find further information on the operating of political and social structures in the SDF-held areas. The Rojava Self-Administration is also sending aid to the civilians of the recently liberated areas.

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In the last month more than 3.000 people returned to Rojava. Most of them came from Turkey, where they sought refuge.

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In the last month children in Rojava were vaccinated against childhood diseases. Mostly against Polio. Not all of the vaccines had to be done via a syringe, many children were done with a simple drop of liquid. One of the children ran away and hid, he was afraid of the needle. The nurse had to come to show him it was only a drop of liquid he had to take.

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The schools are being rebuilt and given a nice colour. More and more children are able to go to school again, also in newly liberated areas.

Football has shown to be one of the favourite sports of the people in Rojava. After Hasakah, Qamishlo, Kobani, Serekaniye now it was time for football in Afrin. One day we might get to see a football competition in Rojava like we have in other parts of the world. For now it will be difficult because in between Afrin and Kobani there still are multiple kilometres of land in the hands of ISIS. But who knows? There is much news about ISIS having trouble in this area. Locals standing up, anti-ISIS sentiments, the soldiers ISIS has here are not their best, disputes between local leaders. Next to all of that a recently formed Group just joined the SDF, the goal of this group is to liberate Jarabulus. These specific areas are also mostly Kurdish-majority areas. In the city of Manbij only some years ago Kurdish flags were flown in support of the People’s Protection Units (YPG). There exists also the possibility for having a woman-only competition since the girls, too, show interest in the sport.

When the Islamic State takes over areas they often destroy, sell, repaint or give a different use to buildings or artefacts they don’t agree with. One example is the Armenian church in Tal Abyad (Gire Sipi). ISIS burned all books that were inside, damaged the building and used it as a prison. Right now the Armenian church is being rebuilt. It is expected to re-open on New Year’s Eve.

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Next to football there also was a boxing match in Aleppo. In Hasakah there is a South Korean Martial Arts centre. There are upcoming projects for water sport and other athletics.

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In Tel Abyad (Gire Sipi) there lives a man who makes woodstoves for all of Rojava. If I’m not wrong these woodstoves are bought and then donated to civilians from all over Rojava for the winter. They look pretty simplistic, but will be good enough for keeping warm in the winter.

Christians celebrated St. Barbara day, some Muslims joined them.

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Kurdish, Arab and Syriac women held large marches in Rojava in the month November. The marches were dedicated to ending the violence against women.

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Last but not least I wanted to share this interview with a YPJ soldier and some iconic pictures.