Syriac Military Council reflects on struggle against ISIS on 9th anniversary of Khabur invasion

KHABUR, North and East Syria — On the 9th anniversary of the Islamic State’s (ISIS) attack on the Syriac–Assyrian villages of the Khabur River Valley, the Syriac Military Council (Mawtbo Fulhoyo Suryoyo, MFS) issued a public statement, underscoring the significance of their resistance against the terrorist group’s onslaught.

The MFS emphasized that their steadfast resistance following ISIS’s attack in 2015 served as a pivotal moment in the struggle for the rights of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people. They highlighted their efforts in purging the region of terrorism, acknowledging the sacrifices of numerous martyrs, including Hawro Athro, the MFS’s first martyr.

Reflecting on the occasion, the MFS lamented the profound pain and indignation felt among the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, both at home and abroad. The attack perpetrated by ISIS resulted in unspeakable atrocities, including massacres, kidnappings, church desecrations, and the forced displacement of countless individuals from their ancestral homes in the Khabur villages.

The statement condemned ISIS’s heinous acts as crimes against humanity and underscored the ongoing threat posed by the terrorist organization. This threat manifested recently through attacks by ISIS cells on Al-Sina’a Prison in Hasakah serving as a stark reminder of the group’s enduring menace.

Amidst these challenges, the Syriac Military Council affirmed the important role played by the region’s diverse communities in confronting terrorism. With unity and resilience, the MFS and its allies stood firm against ISIS, ultimately prevailing over the terrorist organization.

The MFS reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people and pledged to confront any threats to their well-being with determination and resolve.