JINHA

SERÊKANIYÊ - YPJ commander Viyan Gewda says that the YPG/YPJ push to clear Cizîrê Canton of Daesh is close to the liberation of the strategic city of Tel Abyad.

YPG/YPJ forces have been working to liberate the western area of Cizîrê Canton in Rojava since May 6. The push, named after fallen commander Rubar Qamişlo, had its first major victory on May 20 with the liberation of the strategic position Mt. Kezwan. If the campaign continues at this rate, fighters may be able to unite the two cantons of Cizîrê (the easternmost Rojava canton) and Kobanê for the first time ever, dealing a major blow to Daesh.

Commander Viyan said that so far in the campaign, YPG/YPJ forces have killed several hundred Daesh fighters and seized supplies of heavy weapons and ammunition. Recently, the fighters have liberated the key town of Mebruka.

"The settlement at Mebruka was both a large and quite strategic one for the gangs," said Viyan. Although gangs attempted an attack with mines and explosives at Dehma village, said Viyan, YPG/YPJ forces have been insistent in their push, inspired by the desire to get revenge for their fallen comrades. Viyan noted that the YPG/YPJ forces' relentlessness in their push to liberate key locations like Mt. Kezwan and Mebruka has broken Daesh morale.

"Our goal is for all peoples in Rojava to live freely," she said. "That's why we're determined to clear Girê Spî (Tel Abyad) from gangs."

Next in the push for Tel Abyad is the liberation of the town of Silûk. If the forces can take Silûk, they will have taken one side of Tel Abyad--blocking the road to the Daesh capital of Raqqa and achieving a major strategic victory.

(fk/cm)