Rojda Serhat-Zerin Kurtay/JINHA

ROJAVA – YPJ fighters who participated in the liberation of the key position of Mt. Abdulaziz (Kezwan in Kurdish) say that the fear that women fighters struck into the hearts of their Daesh opponents was key to their victory.

The YPG/YPJ started an operation named after YPG commander Rubar Qamişlo in the Alya area of Cizîrê Canton, with the goal of liberating the key mountain of Mt. Kezwan from Daesh occupation. The mountain had been a key frontline in the fight with Daesh. YPG/YPJ forces cleared the mountain of Daesh forces just over a week ago.

"I've been here from the beginning; the YPJ's stance scared the gang members. We witnessed gang members leaving behind their weapons and fleeing when they couldn't do battle against women fighters," said Jiyanda Asi Çarçella, a YPJ fighter. "We see a lot of the gang members' psychological warfare tactics—especially beheadings, kidnapping children, raping women. Today, the gang members hurling threats at the entire world ran away scared of us women."

YPJ fighter Asmin Amed said the sound of women's ululations as they advance on Daesh positions particularly sends gang members into a state of fear. Facing the YPJ—an organization that brings together all women of the region, no matter their language, religion or culture—terrifies the gangs, Asmin said.

"Taking this mountain was really important. It's been a great source of strength and morale for all of us," said Asmin.

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