YJA-Star Commander: We should raise the struggle for freedom

YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) Command Council held a meeting with the participation of commanders from all areas. Ideological, organizational and practical activities carried out in 2021 were debated during the meeting.

YJA-Star Command Council Member Özgür spoke to ANF about the meeting and the guerrilla resistance in 2021.

Özgür emphasized that female fighters played a very significant role in the battles in 2021. “This stance of female friends is a revolt against the slavery that has been imposed on Kurdish women for centuries. The martyred friends showed us how we should live. They gave the message that a wrong and slavish life is not a decent life,” the commander said.

Evaluating 2021 as a year of significant accomplishments, the female commander also addressed the Turkish invasion attacks. Özgür emphasized that the Turkish attacks on the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in South Kurdistan (North Iraq) were frustrated by the guerrilla forces. “First of all, I commemorate all the friends who were martyred in 2021 in the persons of Cumali, Serhat and Nûjin, who heroically resisted the enemy attacks, and I revere their memories.

2021 was full of events for us. The Turkish army had invasion plans, but the guerrillas had already made preparations against it. They launched invasion attacks on Medya Defense Zones on April 23, 2021. Major attacks were conducted in the Zap, Avaşîn and Metîna regions. The Turkish plan was to occupy these regions in a short time and to remove the guerrilla forces from Bashur (South Kurdistan). The Turkish forces had made all the preparations for it. In the meantime, the YJA Star and HPG guerrillas also made preparations against the invasion attacks. Therefore, the Turkish troops were faced with great resistance there. Our female fighters manifested outstanding heroism during the battles. They got revenge against the Turkish troops for their martyred comrades. Every single fighter who took part in the resistance against invasion attacks did his duty without hesitation. Their belief in victory and success was greater than ever before. On this basis, they frustrated the Turkish attacks.”

‘KURDISH WOMEN DESERVE A FREE LIFE’

The YJA Star commander pointed out that fierce clashes are currently taking place in the Medya Defense Zones. “The role of female friends is very important in this war. This line of resistance was inspired by the former fighters Zilan and Beritan. This line of self-defence has been clearly revealed during the latest invasion attacks. Women friends took their place in the battle tunnels. They also played an important role in ground combat. For example, in Arisfaris, comrades Jîn, Amara and Sarya, under the command of comrade Diyana, did not leave their positions by resisting until the end. These friends shocked the enemy troops by actions of self-sacrifice. They repelled the enemy attacks in the battle tunnels.

This stance of female friends is a revolt against the slavery imposed on Kurdish women for centuries. The most important thing that is emphasized in the slogans of the female comrades is their devotion to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, the martyrs and their lands. The martyred comrades showed us how we should live and what kind of life we ​​should promote. They gave the message that a wrong and slavish life is not a decent life. We must live life in a rightful way. In other words, we should lead a free life. The Kurdish women deserve such a life.”

‘GUERILLAS PROTECT ALL OPPRESSED WOMEN’

“One of the outcomes revealed by the Turkish attack on Medya Defence Zones is how the legacy of resistance is embraced by a growing number of people, gets stronger and gives hope to all women. Maybe women are struggling in many countries, but there is no such force that can protect women from the male-dominated system and invaders. The Kurdish women are lucky in this regard. Today, heroic fighters and guerrillas under the guidance of the YJA Star protect not only the Kurdish women, but also women who are constantly raped, harassed, insulted and murdered. They have proven this to the whole world.

No matter how strong the Turkish forces might be, they cannot break the will and faith of the guerrilla forces. This is the warfare level that YJA Star has achieved. This has been seen, once again, in the latest battles in the Medya Defense Zones. In the guerrilla warfare of democratic modernity, each fighter has a branch and can play his role in any field. Every single fighter who has taken part in the latest battles resisted and struggled with this awareness. This legacy of resistance by our martyred friends will keep illuminating our path.”

WE SHOULD EXPAND THE STRUGGLE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR MARTYRS

The YJA-Star commander stated that many topics were discussed, and decisions made at the Command Council meeting. “The shortcomings in 2021 were also discussed at our Command Council meeting. The heroism and resistance of our martyred comrades also left its mark on the meeting. Criticism and self-criticism were made at the meeting on this regard. We are grateful to our martyrs.

We should raise the struggle for freedom in the footsteps of our martyrs. At the meeting, a clear perspective was suggested that will lead us to freedom. As YJA Star, we will follow our heroic martyrs. We will eliminate our shortcomings and we will deal our wounded enemy a fatal blow in 2022. This is our promise and decision.”