To our people and the public,
The Turkish occupation and its mercenary groups continue their terrorist attacks on the regions of northern and eastern Syria, seeking to expand their occupation. In this context, they consider the area of Tishreen Dam a significant target from all aspects.
For over two months, our forces and our people have demonstrated historic resistance, successfully repelling all attacks of the occupation. Thanks to the work of the free press, the world has borne witness to this resistance. The Turkish occupying state has suffered defeat both on the battlefield and in its psychological warfare. In this regard, the role of journalists and media professionals has been instrumental in exposing and countering these attacks.
In an attempt to conceal its defeat, the occupying state persistently targets journalists. Most recently, on February 15, journalist Akid Roj (Shervan Seydo) was deliberately targeted by an airstrike while covering civilian activities at the Tishreen Dam. As a result, he was martyred. Journalists such as Nazim, Jihan, and Akid have served as the eyes of our people, and they have played a major role in defeating the occupation. These attacks on the press are aimed at spreading terror among the people, emboldening mercenary groups, and undermining the steadfastness of our forces and people in Tishreen Dam. However, despite these attacks, our people have stood firm for over 40 days. The mercenaries, overwhelmed by fear, have begun to flee from the battlefield, and the resistance at Tishreen Dam continues to grow stronger each day.
There is no doubt that heroes like Akid Roj have made significant contributions in bringing this resistance to the world’s attention.
Born in Afrin into a patriotic family that has sacrificed many martyrs and resistance fighters, Akid Roj dedicated his life to the struggle. With the outbreak of the North and East Syria Revolution in 2012, he joined the revolutionary movement, first participating in defense operations before transitioning to the field of media. As a committed journalist, he worked tirelessly for years as part of the free press, covering the Afrin, al-Shahba, and Aleppo resistance efforts. In 2018, he spent over two months alongside the fighters, documenting the resistance in Afrin and reporting on operations to liberate the region from mercenary groups. For many years, he also covered the plight of displaced civilians in al-Shahba. Most recently, while reporting on civilian protests at Tishreen Dam, he was deliberately targeted and martyred.
Akid Roj was a courageous and selfless fighter, committed to the cause on all fronts. He played an integral role in covering the Rojava Revolution, ensuring that the truth was revealed to the world. He upheld the legacy of free journalism with unwavering dedication, never straying from the pursuit of truth—this very commitment made him a target of the Turkish occupation.
As we condemn the ongoing crimes of the Turkish occupation, we call on all international organizations and institutions that defend press freedom to break their silence regarding these targeted attacks on journalists.
We remember our comrade Akid Roj with deep respect and reverence, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and our people. We reaffirm our commitment to continuing his path, upholding the principles of free media, and striving for victory.
SDF Media Center
February 16, 2025
