The Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) Command paid tribute to the martyrs of the month of August. In a written statement, YBŞ said: “As every year, in this month filled with pain, the unhealed wounds and memories of our martyrs—who raised the flags of pride and honor against injustice and oppression, embrace our minds and hearts.”
The YBŞ added: “Today we commemorate, above all, the martyr Mam Zeki Şengalî, who became a refuge for the suffering of the Yazidis and a pillar of their unity and solidarity, and the martyr Said Hesen, the root of our strength and the backbone of our struggle, who dedicated his entire life to securing the rights of the Yazidis and protecting their existence.”
The statement continued: “In their names, we once again remember with respect and gratitude Amargi, Hacî, Îsa, Mahir, Pîr Xidîr, Qîran, Eli, Daxîl, and all the martyrs of August, who wrote epic tales of heroism against the ISIS gangs; as well as the martyrs of the explosions in Girizêr and Sîba, the Kocho Massacre, and the Sikêniyê Hospital attack. The attacks by the occupying Turkish state and its partner ISIS, targeting our friends and our people, are attempts to break our will and take revenge for their heroic stance against ISIS gangs.
In this month, many tragic events have occurred in our history, from the bombing of civilian hospitals, to the bloody attacks in Girizêr and Sîba, to the massacre in the village of Kocho. These crimes were not mere tragic coincidences; they were also links in a systematic chain aimed at annihilating our people, taking advantage of the absence of a local Yazidi force that could protect and defend them.”
The statement underlined that “since its founding, the Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) have been the sword and shield that protects our people’s land and honor, defending their right to a free and dignified life under all conditions.
As YBŞ, on this painful day, we once again call on our people to turn this month into an occasion for solidarity and unity. For unity leads to a strength that protects our existence and our honor, while division leaves the doors of danger open through weakness.
Once again, we pledge to our society and our heroic martyrs that we will continue their struggle and will never hesitate to defend the existence and honor of our people against any force. Until their goals are achieved and a safe and dignified life is secured for all Yazidis and the peoples of Shengal, we will continue to follow in the footsteps of our martyrs.”