syria
INDEPENDENCE WARRIORS
For nearly a decade, the Syrian Kurdish resistance has made a point of includ-
ing women among its fighters. An all-women unit, the YPJ claims more than
20,000 members; many are Muslims who reject interpretations of Islam that
they see as oppressive. “We are volunteers,” a commander says. “We don’t let
any others attack our cities and kill our brothers and sisters. Our families say,
as women of course you can join.”
146 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC