Syrian Al-Jazeera’s residents: We will drive out the new occupation as we drove out the French occupation

On the occasion of Syria’s Independence Day [AKA Evacuation Day], residents of the Syrian Al-Jazeera region recall how their grandfathers drove the French occupation out of Hasakah.  

Dahham Al-Sultan, grandson of the freedom fighter Zohdi Bik Al-Sultan proudly narrated how his grandfather led a military force from Der Ezzour and forced the French occupation forces to withdraw from the southern entrance of Hasakah city towards Hasakah citadel [Al-Qeshleh].

His grandfather entered the headquarters of the governorate [Known as Al-Saraya then] and raised the Syrian flag instead of the French one on all police stations in the city of Hasakah, while the French forces were besieged and prevented from leaving their barracks until they were allowed to leave under the protection of the British after WWII.

In Ras Al-Ayn region, which is now under the occupation of the Turkish regime’s forces, the residents remember the death of the French Captain Grinas.

The French captain was shot dead when he attacked a man and his 12-year-old son as they were going to their agricultural land in Al-Safeh town.       

After the incident, the French occupation cordoned off the town where the resident recorded legendary steadfastness.

Today, the Syrians are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the evacuation of the French colonialists from their land, while facing a new heinous aggression by the new colonialists who have been waging a fierce war on Syria through their terrorist tools and through an economic blockade that targets the Syrians’ livelihood.

Basma Qaddour