Syriac Military Council celebrates 10th anniversary of Khabur Resistance; a decade of refusal to submit to terrorism

KHABUR, North and East Syria — February 23 marks a decade of resistance against the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS). On February 23, 2015, the terrorist organization launched a large-scale attack on dozens of Syriac-Assyrian villages along the Khabur River basin, targeting peaceful residents and committing horrific crimes against the local Syriac-Assyrian community.

On this day, the Syriac Military Council celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Khabur Resistance against the barbaric IS-attack on the Syriac-Assyrian villages in the Khabur Valley.

An existential threat for Syriac-Assyrians

The IS-attack on Syriac-Assyrian villages was a targeted attempt to eradicate their presence in the region; the terrorist organization killed dozens of people, kidnapped hundreds, and destroyed homes, churches, and shrines, leading to a massive displacement of the population of Khabur, leaving entire villages deprived of their original inhabitants.

This attack was not an isolated incident, but rather an extension of a series of crimes targeting religious and ethnic components in Syria and Iraq, taking advantage of the state of security chaos. Although the organization was defeated militarily, its cells remain active and carry out sporadic attacks on security facilities and unarmed civilians.

Syriac Military Council: The First Line of Defense

In the face of the Islamic State threat, the Syriac Military Council was at the forefront of the resistance, with the responsibility of defending the Syriac-Assyrian villages and protecting them from the terrorist threat. With their courage and faith as bayonet, the Council’s fighters fought fierce battles against IS and made great sacrifices, the most prominent of which was the martyrdom of Comrade ‘hawro’ Athro. He became the symbol of resistance, steadfastness and sacrifice.

Thanks to the courage of its fighters and the solidarity of the people of the region, the Syriac Military Council managed to drive IS out of the Khabur villages and contributed to the restoration of security, becoming a fundamental element in the region’s defense, in full cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Unwavering commitment

In an official statement posted on its Facebook page, the Syriac Military Council reaffirmed its task of protecting its people, stressing that the fight has not finished with the end of the military defeat of IS, but rather expands to ensure that such threats and tragedies do not repeat.

The statement read:

“We in the Syriac Military Council, with all our formations and military units, are stationed on the frontlines, imbued with determination and the spirit of resistance, and ready to confront any threat that may befall our people. We will continue to protect the rights of our people, and we will not allow any force to threaten their existence or undermine their achievements.”

The Khabur today: between hope and challenges

Despite the fact that a decade has passed since the attack, its effects are still visible to Syriac-Assyrians, as some villages remain completely deserted and others suffer from a lack of services. However, the Syriac Military Council is working to ensure security and stability, and encourages the return of displaced families to their home villages.

The Khabur Resistance continues to be a witness to the will of a people who refused to submit to terrorism and clung to their land and identity. In addition, the Syriac Military Council continues to play its role as a protective shield for Syriac-Assyrians and a support for them on their journey towards a safer and more stable future.