Syrian Kurdish YPJ women forces ready to protect Druze civilians

QAMISHLO,— The Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) issued a strong condemnation of recent attacks on the Druze community by Syrian government forces and affiliated Islamist groups, according to a statement published by Firat News Agency.

The YPJ statement criticized what it described as systematic violence against Druze civilians, with a particular focus on assaults targeting women. It called for accountability for those responsible and emphasized the group’s readiness to defend affected communities.

The statement reads: “Extremist jihadist groups, acting under the Damascus government’s leadership, have once again attacked innocent civilians. These massacres and violent acts against Druze women threaten human dignity and freedom. The abduction and targeting of women, children, and civilians violate fundamental moral and human principles.”

The YPJ reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women and civilians, stressing that defending oppressed peoples is central to its mission. “The Druze people are not alone. As women fighters, we stand prepared to confront any aggression aimed at life, freedom, and the will of the people,” the statement said.

The YPJ also declared it is ready to confront all “dark forces” threatening women, and urged justice for those behind the attacks on Druze women. The statement called for prosecution of perpetrators and insisted that efforts to promote women’s rights, interfaith coexistence, and ethnic solidarity must continue without retreat.

YPJ (Women’s Protection Units) is the all-female military wing of the YPG (People’s Protection Units), which is the main Kurdish militia in Syrian Kurdistan.

The YPG is a mixed-gender force, while the YPJ is made up exclusively of women fighters. Both the YPG and YPJ are key components of the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), the de facto military of the Autonomous Administration in Syrian Kurdistan.

The SDF receives support from the United States and other allies.

The statement comes amid escalating violence in Sweida, a predominantly Druze city, where clashes have broken out between local Druze militias, Syrian government forces, and Bedouin tribes. Reports indicate that hundreds of Druze have been killed during government offensives, with accusations of ethnic cleansing aimed at Syrian authorities.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced an airstrike targeting the entrance to Syria’s Defense Ministry in Damascus on Wednesday. Israel described the operation as part of its ongoing campaign against Islamist-led Syrian forces and said it was intended to protect the Druze minority from violence by government-affiliated groups.

The situation remains tense as regional and local actors continue to clash, with civilian populations caught in the crossfire.

(With files from ANF | Agencies)