Beth Nahrin Women’s Protection Forces celebrates 10th anniversary in Zalin

ZALIN (QAMISHLI), North and East Syria — The Beth Nahrin Women’s Protection Forces (Ḥaylawotho d’Sutoro d’Neshe d’Beth Nahrin, HSNB) held a celebration on Saturday marking the 10th anniversary of their founding, attended by representatives of the Bethnahrin National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), various security and military institutions, women’s organizations, political and religious figures, and a large gathering of local residents.

The event began with a moment of silence honoring the fallen female fighters, followed by a military parade for the attendees. The celebration also featured a video presentation documenting the fighters’ journey and achievements over the past decade.

Participants, in speeches delivered during the occasion, highlighted the role of women in breaking social barriers and asserting their presence on the battlefield. Georgette Barsomo, head of the Syriac Women’s Union in Syria (Huyodo d’Neshe Suryoye b’Suriya, HNSS), stated that Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) women have demonstrated, through the HSNB, their ability to overcome social obstacles and achieve military and security gains “that were unavailable a decade ago.” 

HNSB fighter Noor emphasized that the experience proved “weapons know no gender,” noting that the establishment of the HSNB reflected the determination of women of her Syriac (Chaldean-Assyrian-Aramean) people to be genuine partners in defending their society. 

Shatha Gharibe, representing the Syriac Union Party, described the founding of the HSNB not merely as a military step but as an “intellectual and societal revolution,” showcasing women’s ability to lead change and actively participate in protecting both land and people.