The General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) released a statement paying tribute to Commander Leyla Îsa, known by her nom de guerre Şîlan Kobanê, who passed away in Heseke on March 2.
The YPJ obituary on Wednesday includes the following:
“At a time when the oppressive, patriarchal fascism dominated by the nation-state brutally assaults human dignity and the achievements of women, the Middle East has once again become a battleground between survival and annihilation. Amid this crisis and chaos, the Rojava Revolution is not merely a defense of a region; it stands as the fortress of the free will of women and the light that dispels centuries of darkness. On this march toward freedom, the builders of that light are the heroes who sacrifice their lives for it. Among them shines a radiant star and devoted commander—our comrade Şîlan Kobanê (Leyla Îsa).
Our comrade Leyla Îsa, known by her nom de guerre Şîlan Kobanê, was born in 1990 in the village of Kirk Birmeli in the city of Kobanê, into a family deeply rooted in patriotic culture and belonging to the Kitki tribe. Kobanê was not merely a city to Şîlan; it was her first school of resistance. She spent her childhood in its streets, where every stone carries engraved stories and legends. When the most dangerous attacks on the region began in 2014, Comrade Şîlan recognized the reality of the murderous system and made a decisive choice. She understood that protecting society meant protecting women’s dignity. Therefore, she joined the ranks of the Asayish. In the streets of Kobanê, under heavy gunfire, she defended her homeland day and night. During that time, Şîlan became a symbol of security and hope for her people.
Comrade Şîlan embodied the spirit of resistant women such as Arîn Mîrkan and Rêvana. She was not merely a fighter, but a teacher of war and an artist of life. In her struggle against the brutality of ISIS, she instilled fear in the hearts of the enemy and became a beacon of hope for oppressed women. After Kobanê, Commander Şîlan moved to the Jazira region. As ISIS attacked the region like a plague of the century, Şîlan stood at the forefront of resistance everywhere in Jazira. She became both a fighter and a commander of vengeance, confronting ISIS darkness with profound faith and unwavering determination. At every step, she proved that defending human dignity is possible through the fulfillment of national duty. With the will of a free woman, she did not allow the enemies of the revolution to gain ground in Jazira.
After a long and arduous struggle against ISIS, Comrade Şîlan went to the Afrin region. There, she played a pioneering role in building the defense system and participated as a leading commander in the most significant operations. In Afrin, she placed her military expertise and knowledge in the service of broader organization. Through her perseverance and devotion, she became an enduring leader in the hearts of the people of Afrin. She often repeated: “The unity of the homeland brings freedom.” As a commander, Şîlan was a source of inspiration and enthusiasm for her comrades, and fighters rallied around her. With her experience and determination, they had complete confidence. She built her character upon loyalty to the Apoist Freedom Movement, advancing steadily along her revolutionary path. She was fearless, always at the forefront in every circumstance—qualities that reflected her unwavering commitment to both individual freedom and the freedom of the homeland.
Comrade Şîlan embodied the spirit of sacrifice within the Apoist movement during the historic resistance of Sheikh Maqsoud in Aleppo. Alongside her comrades Ziyad and Deniz, she stood courageously against siege and betrayal. After the resistance in Aleppo, she joined the ranks of the Women’s Protection Units without hesitation and assumed front-line leadership. On March 2, Comrade Şîlan was martyred in the line of duty following an incident. Her independence was rooted in the plains of Kobanê, and her yearning for freedom became part of her people’s heroic history.
Like the immortal Commander Şîlan Kobanê, resistance will remain our path in the struggle for lasting victory. We will always follow in the footsteps of our martyrs. In our struggle for women’s freedom, we will continue to uphold the philosophy of Leader Abdullah Öcalan, embodied in the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom.” We renew our commitment to a dignified life and once again extend our heartfelt condolences to her patriotic family, to the people of Kobanê, and to all who cherish freedom. We will continue to struggle until the goals of our comrade are realized.”
Nom de guerre: Şîlan Kobanê
Full name: Leyla Îsa
Mother’s name: Nazi
Father’s name: Murad
Place and date of martyrdom: Hasakah – March 2, 2026
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