PYD resolve ‘stronger than ever’ after Qamishli bombing

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—The Democratic Union Party (PYD) have vowed they will not be deterred from their goals of co-existence, and secular democracy in a statement issued after a double bombing killed at least 50 in the Kurdish city of Qamishli, Rojava, northern Syria. 

“We in the General Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) deplore and condemn this cowardly terrorist act and we condemn the party that stands behind it,” reads the statement. 

They stress that they remain committed to the values of co-existence, pan-democratic and secular political entities, human rights, and a strong civil society. 

They call on the international community to eliminate terrorism, “which today seems a phenomenon known to threaten the entire world” and state that supporting federal democracy is the right way to eliminate terrorism and tyranny in Syria. 

“Once again, we turn to the general people of Syria and the communities of the world, stressing that there is no way for us but progress on the path set by thousands of martyrs to achieve freedom and a democratic society. We will overcome all the obstacles in the way. We're going down this road with greater determination and our resolve is stronger than ever before.”

The double bombing hit the Gharbi neighbourhood of Qamishli, where the PYD has its offices.

Islamic State claimed responsibility.