Statement on the Eighth Anniversary of the Liberation of Raqqa

Today marks the eighth anniversary of the liberation of Raqqa — the city that was once called the capital of the so-called “caliphate” — from the clutches of the terrorist organization ISIS, by the Syrian Democratic Forces with the support of the International Coalition, in one of the greatest battles of liberation in modern Syrian history.

On this great national and humanitarian occasion, the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria extends its warmest congratulations and greetings to the people of Raqqa, to all the people of North and East Syria, to the Syrian people, and indeed to the entire world — for the liberation of Raqqa was seen as a victory for all humanity, and a triumph for the values of freedom, dignity, and justice.

On this occasion, we proudly and reverently remember the sacrifices and heroism of the righteous martyrs who watered the soil of this land with their pure blood in the cause of freedom, weaving through their courage immortal epics that will forever guide future generations. The foremost credit for this great victory belongs to those heroes who faced the most brutal forms of global terrorism with the spirit of resistance and the will to live.

We also salute the Syrian Democratic Forces, the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and the Internal Security Forces, who demonstrated unforgettable acts of bravery in the battles of liberation and in the defense of both land and humanity. The liberation of Raqqa was not merely a local event, but a historic turning point for the entire world, as it dealt a severe blow to a terrorist organization that had threatened international peace and security.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we affirm that the threat of ISIS still persists — not only in Syria, but also in the region and the world. This requires continued joint efforts and international cooperation to prevent the resurgence of this terrorist organization and to eradicate its ideological and organizational roots completely.

We also affirm that the current reality in Syria calls, more than ever before, for uniting national, Syrian, and international efforts to defend the achievements of the victory over terrorism and to build upon what has been accomplished — in order to establish a democratic, decentralized Syria that guarantees the rights of all its components and fulfills the aspirations of our struggling people, who have sacrificed so much for the sake of freedom and dignity.

In conclusion, we renew our pledge that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria will remain faithful to the sacrifices of the martyrs, steadfast in the path of freedom and democracy, and committed to working alongside all honorable forces that believe in the right of peoples to self-determination — to build a safe and stable future for all Syrians.

Glory and eternity to the martyrs
Long live the free, democratic, and decentralized Syria
The Democratic Autonomous Administration of the North and East Syria
October 20, 2025