Xelat Şemsê: “We are closer to freedom than ever”

YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) Command Council held a meeting last week 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 Xelat Şemsê spoke to ANF about the meeting and stated that the year 2022 will be a difficult year, but freedom is closer than ever.

The commander said, “As a defence force of the people and especially of women, we will fulfil our role for a free future. Our meeting was held under the auspices of a free life and freedom of Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan]. We will mobilise our forces to guarantee the freedom of Rêber Apo.”

On the assessment of the year 2021, the commander said: “We started the year 2021 with the greatest determination. The Turkish occupying state used all methods of dirty warfare to destroy the Kurdish people and their freedom movement. The war waged by the Turkish state is not an ordinary war. It is against all rules. It tried to achieve results by using chemical weapons. This was not a normal war. The enemy had set the bar very high with its goal of destruction against our movement. But the guerrillas brought down the entire plans of the enemy. This is perhaps the first time that the AKP/MHP regime got into such difficulties. Of course, this is the result of the brave and sacrificial struggle of our martyrs. Our brave comrades who gave their lives in the resistance have shown their attachment to free life once again. They have brought forth a new resistance in every sense. As the vanguard of change, they waged a fierce struggle, creating a new form of warfare. On this basis, new offensives were launched. Within the framework of the campaigns ‘Cenga Xaburê’ and ‘Egîdê Botanê’, a strong stance was taken against the enemy in all areas, especially in Zagros, Avaşîn, Zap and Metîna.”

“We will fight everywhere to defend the values of Kurdistan”

The resistance of the guerrillas did not only hit fascism, but all misogynist, oppressive regimes, said Şemsê and continued: “The guerrilla women fought courageously and without hesitation in this phase. They knew no doubts or obstacles. The women went up against tanks and artillery with a death-defying attitude. Of course, this situation aroused great courage in everyone. We had very important successes. All those whose hearts beat for freedom got inspiration and encouragement from the resistance of Kurdish women and recognised this resistance as hope for themselves.

I am convinced that our struggle will become even stronger in the days ahead. We will continue to fight for the values of Kurdistan in all areas. At our assembly, the results of the 2021 war were discussed intensively. We know that 2022 will be difficult. But we are inspired and determined. We are closer to freedom than ever and will fulfil our role for a free future as a defence force of the people and especially of women. Our gathering was held under the auspices of a free life and freedom for Rêber Apo. We must no longer accept the Imrali system in any way and will mobilise our forces to guarantee the freedom of Rêber Apo.”

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