Proposed Military Strike on Syria

[John Dolva]

Bese Hozat: PKK is a social system today

The Kurdish Liberation Movement made up of a group of Kurdish and Turkish youths,

25.11.2013 ANF

The Kurdish Liberation Movement made up of a group of Kurdish and Turkish youths, known as pro-Apo (Öcalan) and -national liberation groups till 1978, became a party following the first congress held in the house of the Zoğurlu family, which supported the organization since its formation, in the Fis village of Diyarbakır's Lice district on 26-27 November. The PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party, Partiya Karkerên Kurdistan) has become a public movement addressing millions during the 35 years that have passed since the first congress which had been attended by 22 delegates.

Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) Executive Council Co-President Bese Hozat spoke to ANF about the struggle PKK has given for 35 years now, what it has achieved so far and what kind of a change and transformation it has introduced to the Kurdish people.

How does the PKK define itself?

The PKK is no doubt a strong insurrection movement against cruelty and the exploitation of people and society, and for a people who were deprived of all their rights, denied any kind of fair defense, their language banned and their land occupied and exploited. The PKK is a contemporary insurrection movement with a program, ideology, philosophy and struggle strategy, not an ordinary one for a people greatly exploitated and enslaved. The PKK has the power to change the balances in the region and the world, as well as a strategic and tactical leadership, an army of thousands of guerrillas and an organized grassroots of millions of people.

In line with all these facts, it remains inadequate to define the PKK as an insurrection movement because of the fact that the party has presented the democratic nation paradigm, improved the democratic confederal system of peoples, built an alternative project of democratic peoples' system against the five thousand years old statist government system and is leading the building of this project now. The democratic, free and equal form of life and the democratic ecological system the PKK has built is the only system that will liberate the peoples. The Kurdish people are today giving a struggle to build this system on the basis of their own will. In the current state of affairs, the PKK has gone beyond a movement and become a social living system.

PKK has made a great mindset revolution for the Kurdish people, clearing their minds of slavery and fear which it replaced with the sense of freedom. This is the greatest revolution the PKK has achieved, for the liberation of a people relies on a mindset revolution and the attainment of the sense of freedom.

The party has on the other hand placed women at the center of the social liberation, and women's struggle at the center of the national struggle. This has introduced a new context and depth to the sense of freedom, because of the fact that a people can never be free without free women. Thousands of women assured by this reality in theory and in practice have taken to the mountains and assembled an army, bravely fought against the exploitative system and destroyed the mindset which defends that war is a man thing. The liberation struggle the Kurdish women are giving on mountains is not against the Turkish army alone, it is also against the male-dominant mindset and the cruel and exploitative system it has created.

This war has led to a great social change and transformation, it destroyed the ordinary perspective against women, changed the gender based morals and culture, and enabled the Kurdish women to become subjects in all areas of life, to take an active part in the social life and politics, and to lead civil commotions and public resistance. Women became the symbol of resistance and the liberation struggle, changed the social fabric of the Kurdish society, transformed the feodal culture and displayed a determining stance in the democratisation of the society. This is a women's revolution the PKK and Kurdish people have achieved by creating a free society with free women, and a sense and culture of democratic nation against the culture of tribes, which is at the same time a human revolution.

The struggle the Kurdish people are giving today under the leadership of the PKK plays a crucial role in the democratisation of the Middle East region and is the greatest hope of the peoples in the region. Kurds are taking to the stage in the history with the building of a democratic autonomous and confederal system.

The PKK defines itself not only as a Kurdish movement but also as a liberation movement. What has the PKK done for the peoples in four parts of Kurdistan, what kind of a culture has it created?

The PKK movement has never given an ethnic struggle. Those claiming the PKK to do so were the enemies of the party and the people. The PKK ideology sides with freedom and equality. PKK is a democratic socialist movement against nationalism, religionism and sexism which all are ideologies that lead up to fascism, nationalism and militarism. As an organization for the struggle of the peoples in the Middle East, the PKK has fought for the freedom of peoples and represented the human values in the region. PKK is the follower and contemporary representative of the democratic civilisation tradition in the Middle East. All these prove that the Kurdish question is not related with Kurds alone, it is an issue which concerns the entire Middle East region.

[John Dolva]

Monday, May 25, 2015

Members of Rojava's People's Defense Units (YPG ) after the YPG and the Women's Defense Units (YPJ) liberated Mount Abd al-Aziz (Kizwanan), southwest Hesekê city earlier this week.

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6 more villages Liberated in Kobanê and Cizîrê---ISIS using people as human shields

Rojava's People's Defense Forces (YPG) Press Office has said in a statement that 6 more villages have been liberated in the scope of the operations in Kobanê and Cizîrê (Jazira) cantons of Rojava, while the Commander Rubar Qamislo Operation launched to cleanse the rural areas and the villages in the western parts of Cizîrê of ISISf ighters is continuing in its 19th day.

The statement said that the operations of the YPG/YPJ (People's/Women's Defense Forces) forces against the ISIS gangs are continuing successfully to the southeast of Serêkaniyê, in which 2 villages were liberated. The YPG added that the ISIS gangs used people as a shield against the advance of the YPG/YPJ forces and that the Kurdish forces are acting carefully in order not to harm the people that the ISIS gangs have abducted.

The YPG reported that 30 civilians who were abducted by ISIS and used against the advance of YPG forces as human shields have been evacuated from the area by the YPG/YPJ forces and added that the ISIS gangs exploded a bomb-laden vehicle in the midst of civilians, killing some of them and 2 YPG fighters. The number of the civilians killed in the explosion could not be ascertained, the statement noted.

The YPG Press Office further said the resistance in Kobanê is continuing in its 252th day and reported that the YPG/YPJ forces has launched a new operation in the areas occupied by ISIS to the east of Kobanê, liberating 4 villages. The YPG added that a bomb laden vehicle of the gangs was seized in the operation by the resistance forces, while the number of the gang’s casualties could not be ascertained.

[John Dolva]

"Free women rise like the sun."

Sakine Cansız and comrades

The 3rd congress of the Free Women's Movement of Kurdistan (RJAK) is taking place in Sulaymaniyah in South Kurdistan with about 200 women delegates and 50 guests attending the congress.

KNK (Kurdistan National Congress) Co-president Nilüfer Koç, KJK (Kurdistan Women's Communities) representative Jiyan Lawa, Party of Democratic Regions (DBP) Hewlêr office representative Şükran Dikmen, Yekitiya Star Sulaymaniyah representative, Gorran Movement and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s (PUK) women's representatives and representatives of the Jiyan and Arin women and women writers and academics are also attending the congress.

A message from imprisoned Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan was read out. His message was entitled “The 21st century will be the century of women's revolution” and noted that the Middle East is going through a crucial phase, with conflict and massacres everywhere. He said that women have suffered, such as in Sinjar where they have been sold and tortured. His statement emphasized that women need to wage a struggle against the male mentality and he said that without the struggle of women a democratic and free life will be impossible.

Abdullah Öcalan's message also said that the struggle of women in South Kurdistan has an important role to play. "Today our country and region is under the tyranny of ISIS fascism. For you women who are seeking freedom, ISIS is the greatest enemy. That is why they are attacking women and trying to enslave them. Women are the backbone of every society, and just as in Sinjar and Kobanê it is women who must take the lead," the message said.

The message said that women's organization is one of his greatest inspirations, adding that he believes in women reorganizing their own programs, organizational model and lives. "I have waged a significant fight for this. For me women's freedom is more important than earth and water. I have made efforts for women to have a free life," he said.

Abdullah Öcalan's message said that he still believes in his thesis that there is no life without women, but that there is no life with existing women. He said women could free themselves from 5,000 years of slavery and determine their own social lives. The message continued, "You will build your own economic and social lives and in the process you will reform the brutal men. You have patience and you toil. Believe in yourselves. In the Middle East you are leading women."

The message continued, saying that women should not allow themselves to be married off or to permit others to dominate their lives. Abdullah Öcalan also warned of the dangers posed by capitalism. "You should be everywhere, not just at home. Women should make their voices heard everywhere. Free women rise like the sun."

Abdullah Öcalan's message said that women should continue to play a leading role in the peace and democracy movements, as women are the basis of peace and democracy. "Your freedom means freedom for the whole of society. I greet you, all, confident in the knowledge that you will take ownership of these fundamental tasks."

Meanwhile, a new women's academy named after Kurdish woman revolutionary Sakine Cansız has been opened in the Northern Kurdistan city of Nusaybin, in Mardin province. The Congress of Free Women (KJA) held an opening ceremony for thousands of people. Leaders of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) attended and members of the Mitanni Cultural Center performed for the occasion.

"During the 90s, they tortured and raped hundreds of Kurdish women in order to break their struggle," Perihan Ağaoğlu, the co-chair of the DBP for Mardin province, said at the opening ceremony. "However, the fight of Kurdish women has started playing a leading role in the Middle East and the whole world."

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An ISIS massacre in Nustel, fighting for the liberation of the villages and the struggle in Kobanê

Yesterday we posted here about the liberation of Mebruka between Serêkaniyê and Grê Spî (Til Ebyad) by Rojava's extraordinarily heroic People's/Women's Defense Forces (YPG/YPJ).

Today we must report that ISIS/Daesh have massacred nearly 100 Arab civilians who were attempting to escape from Nustel and seek refuge in the village of Arida near the Akçakale border. The YPG/YPJ liberation forces have been working to liberate and secure Nustel. Thousands of civilians, predominantly women and children, fled the region and flocked to the Akçakale border. Daesh/ISIS gangs prevented the escape of civilians near the village of Arîda (Kılıçlı) in order to use them as human shields.Those who resisted this Daesh attempt were massacred by an Daesh firing squad. Villagers who made it to the Turkish border and crossed over to Akçakale stated that nearly 100 civilians were killed by Daesh gangs.

There is increasing military activity on the Turkish side of the border near where the heavy clashes continue. The 7th Corps Commander İbrahim Yılmaz and Urfa 20th Armored Brigade Commander İhsan Başbozkurt have arrived in the area which has been closed to civilians.

The struggle of the people continues. Nustel village is expected to be liberated sonn and YPG/YPJ forces will be able to unite Rojava's Cizîre and Kobanê cantons within a week. Ten villages and several hamlets have been liberated from ISIS gangs during the operations in Cizîr and Kobanê cantons since our last report. The YPG/YPJ "Operation Commander Rubar Qamişlo” aiming to liberate the western parts and villages of Cizîr canton is now in its 23rd day.

The Kobanê resistance is in its 256th day. In the fighting there the liberation forces took back the villages of Bîrhebêş and northern and southern Bîrerêp from ISIS.

Handicap International mine action experts have assessed the situation in the city of Kobanê and have discovered an alarming level of unexploded ordnance and contamination. After four months of combat, including ground fighting and coalition air strikes, there is an an average of 10 munitions per square meter in the city center, and nearly 80 per cent of the buildings there have been destroyed..

“What we saw in Kobanê was beyond our worst nightmares: a significant part of the city is vastly destroyed and unexploded weapons contamination of all kinds have reached a density and diversity that has hardly ever been witnessed before,” said Frédéric Maio, Handicap International’s Mine Action Program Development Manager. “The unexploded devices and booby traps pose a daily threat to the people who fled Kobanê and are now trying to return home. This explosive pollution will make it impossible for people to reconstruct their lives, and blocks access to several areas. It also prevents humanitarian organizations from operating safely and providing the necessary support to this vulnerable population.”

Burkan al-Fırat (Euphrates Volcano Operations Room) has announced that they have started an operation which will continue up to Girê Spî (Til Ebyad). Burkan al-Fırat is a joint military action center formed by YPG and local Free Syrian Army (FSA) brigades and battalions. The foundation of the 'Action Center' was announced at a military ceremony in Kobanê on September 10, 2014. Burkan Al Fırat was set up to fight the gangs of "Al Baghdadi" (ISIS chief) and includes the following forces: Liwa Al Tawhid (East branch), Liwa Al Siwar Al Raka, Shams Al Shamal brigades linked to the Fajir Al Huriye brigades, People's Defence Units (YPG), YPJ, Seraya Jarablus, Liwa Japhat Al-Akrad, Siwar Umunaa Al Raka, Al Kasas Army and Liwa Al Cihad Fi Sebilillah.

A Burkan al-Fırat statement entitled 'Fraternity of Peoples' has called on the local inhabitants to evacuate the region to avoid being used as human shield by ISIS. YPG/YPJ fighters in the village of Êdîqê to the south of Kobanê are cooperating with Burkan al-Fırat and the push to Girê Spî (Til Ebyad) wuill have a great impact on efforts to liberate the western parts and villages of Cizîr canton.

Speaking on behalf of Burkan al-Fırat Forces, spokesman Şerwan Derwîş said that since their establishment, Burkan al-Fırat forces have fought against the enemies of humanity and expelled them from the region. He also stated that the operations the started to liberated the ISIS-occupied regions will continue until Girê Spi (Til Ebyad) is liberated, and he continued "As Burkan al-Fırat Operations Room, we request our people to keep away from the military areas to the west of Girê Spi for their safety. The local people living in the region, the people of Sirin and Jarablus, must be careful against the terror of ISIS gangs and avoid being used as human shields. The gangs want to have our people fight in the battle field. Do not help them.”

Şerwan Derwîş stressed that they will abide by all the rules highlighted in international conventions for the protection of civilians, and added, “In order to ensure this, our people in the region should leave the region temporarily, which is of major importance for the protection of the civilians, especially those living in the areas of clashes.”

The YPG has said that the villages of Rawiya and Til Xenzir were liberated from the ISIS gangs during the second part of the initiative that focuses on southwestern Serêkaniyê. YPG forces found thousands of mines in the region around Rawiya village and continue their search and sweep activities.

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Thursday, May 28, 2015 Auto workers, Kurds, students, oppressed nationalities, youth, fighters against ISIS and Gezi resisters fight for New Humanity

The spirit of Taksim and the Gezi Resistance continues---just see below. We're using the "Taksim Solidarity" banner today to underscore this point.

* The workers’ struggle at Ford Otosan in Kocaeli and Eskişehir provinces continues. Most workers in the metal, auto and auto parts sectors in Bursa have returned to work but the Ford Otosan in Kocaeli and Eskişehir continue to fight for pay raises and parity and to be released from the Metal Workers Trade Union of Turkey. We have covered these struggles over the past week on this blog.

Fort Otosan continues to insist that their offer to the workers taking industrial actions is generous. A company statement said yesterday that “In the end of May, our blue-collar workers will be paid 1000 Turkish liras as a support payment. Besides, workers who return to work and maintain continuity will be paid 200 Turkish liras as a prize. As before, holiday and New Year’s gift cards will be given. Workers will be paid generously in the years when things are going well.”

İsmail Demirbaş, a spokesperson for the workers, has answered that "Our friends don’t want the union (Metal Workers Trade Union of Turkey) and we say ‘We are not from the union. There is no such thing as ’union’. We are from Harran (an ancient city in Urfa province in Southeast of Turkey). Our struggle will continue come rain or shine. The authorities find our fight malicious. What is malicious? Is a fight for bread and butter malicious?”

* Taksim Solidarity held a press conference on the 2nd anniversary of the Gezi Park Resistance at the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) in İstanbul. It was announced there that public gatherings will be held on May 31 in Gezi Park and in Beşiktaş and Kadıköy in Istanbul. Ali Çerkezoğlu of Taksim Solidarity said, "We will be in Gezi Park on May 31 with songs and music and determination, of course to commemorate the ones who lost their lives in Gezi Park Resistance.

Mücella Yapıcı added that “We are marking the second year of the Gezi Park protests that went nationwide and beyond. The Gezi process has yet not ended. It is ongoing.” Mücella Yapıcı also said that the protests brought people together who “yearned for a true democracy and freedom” and to make Istanbul a “more livable city.” She faced a trial and jail sentence for her role in the protests but ws eventually acquitted. Life has not been easy for her because of this repression.

Well-known British Marxist David Harvey also attended the Taksim Solidarity press conference. He said, “What is interesting about the Gezi Park demonstrations is that what started out as a small protest by a group of environmental activists quickly evolved into millions taking to streets to protest the unjust policies of the government” and he noted that the Gezi protests were “globally unique” among other mass demonstrations.

The press statement that was issued by Taksim Solidarity reads in part as follows:

“On the anniversary of a unique date and a historic moment when a country’s people came from their homes, their parks and squares to protect their bodies, lives, the future and the country and on the anniversary of Gezi Park’s reflection on the history;

"We are everywhere with our bodies, our losses with love and resistance with things which will live forever… We are in the parks and squares of İstanbul and the four corners of the country. We are everywhere to live Gezi and to remember Gezi.

"We are in Gezi Park and Taksim Square. We hold Gezi meetings in Ankara, Adana, Antakya, Eskişehir, İzmir, Edirne, Samsun, Diyarbakır and Antalya. In every square, in every park of every provinces and districts. We are everywhere…”

* The rector of Mustafa Kemal University has opened an investigation looking into the activities of 5 women students who protested threats made against a Kurdish woman student identified as N.K. The probe has been launched on grounds that the 5 women were shouting Kurdish slogans as they protested. The university officials are trying to remove the women from their dormitory.

The students chanted the Kurdish slogans of "Bê zıman jiyan na be” (“No life without language"), "Perwerdehî Bi Kurdî xweşe” (“Education in Kurdish is good), "Her canlı kendi diliyle yaşar” (“Each human being lives with its own language”), "Zımanê me hebûna me ye” (“Our language is our existence”) and "Out of spite; X, W, Q." These slogans are regarded by the university administration as

"beneath the national unity and solidarity, (as) ideological and (as) politically oriented."

The university has demanded a defense or account from the students. The students, on the other hand, have applied to the Human Rights Association (İHD) Hatay Branch for help. N.K. has said that the Kurdish students in the dormitory face oppression and that the security personnel are also threatening the Kurdish students.

* Women’s Defense Forces (YPJ) Commander Songül Kurt and People’s Defense Forces (YPG) fighters İsmail Dere and Seraceddin Çelik, who lost their lives in the fighting against ISIS in Rojava’s Til Temir and Hesekê, were laid to rest yesterday in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari. Tens of thousands of people attended the ceremony, condemning ISIS and Turkish President Erdoğan.

YPJ Commander Songül Kurt (Hêvî Gever Marînos) and the YPG fighters İsmail Dere (Ciwan Şiyar) and Seraceddin Çelik (Ciwan Şiyar) lost their lives in clashes that took place between May 16-22 against ISIS gangs in Rojava’s Cizîrê Canton. The bodies of the fighters were taken by their families to the Yüksekova district of Hakkari and a convoy of hundreds of vehicles accompanied them to the district. People in the villages on the route greeted the fighters by flooding onto the streets and chanting the slogan “Martyrs are immortal.”

Thousands of people joined the convoy in the town center. Shops there were shuttered. A religious ceremony was held in the mosque and the fighters were then taken to the cemetery by around 30,000 people carrying pictures of the fighters and imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan as well as flags of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK), the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), the YPG and the YPJ. People also chanted slogans condemning the ISIS gangs and the Turkish president Erdoğan for his support for ISIS.

At the entrance to the cemetery young people held a ceremony and vowed to continue the struggle of those who have fallen in the liberation struggle.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mesopotamia Solidarity Organization (MEYADER) representative Cengiz Ortaç said that all those who have fallen in the liberation struggle were fighting for the liberation of all of the Kurdish people and for their future, adding that the Kurdish people will remain faithful to the legacy left by those who have fallen.

Salih Kurt, the father of YPJ commander Songül Kurt, spoke on behalf of the families of the fighters and said that the three young people are the children of Kurdistan and that they have made them proud by their honorable struggle.

Leaders of the People’s Democratic Party and the Party of Democratic Regions called on shopkeepers to reopen their businesses after the funeral but they have not done so. Mourning will continue for 3 days.

* Thousands of people took part in the Peoples' Democratic Party's (HDP) election rally in Hatay province on the border with Syria. Tunisian People Front Speaker Hamma Hammami addressed the people there and said that the HDP is the only and biggest chance for Turkey's peoples to get rid of the dictatorial system.

The Party rally was held in Hatay’s Uğur Mumcu Square where Gezi Resistance victims Abdullah Cömert and Ahmet Atakan were massacred by police. Thousands of people participated, with young people dancing halays for hours and carrying the flags of the HDP.

Hatay has Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic, Circassian, Armenian and Dom peoples and Sunni, Alevi and Christian faith communities and these groups joined the rally with their own placards and banners. The people carried banners supporting the "New Life" slogan and manifesto of the HDP. One banner read “Riots have united, hope is growing." One minute of silence was held in memory of all those who have lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and democracy.

* The HDP election campaign in Mardin is of special interest to us today. HDP Mardin Deputy Candidate and Prof. Dr. Mithat Sancar and the HDP co-mayors have visited the shopkeepers in the city’s central Derik district while HDP Mardin Deputy Candidate Enise Güneyli has met with villagers in the region. Leaders from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (YNK) have accompanied her on these visits.

HDP Batman deputy candidates Saadet Becerikli, Hasan Yağız and Ali Atalan, along with co-mayors, have lso visited some associations, a textile workshop and villages in the city and in the city's Kozluk district. The villagers embraced the "Great Humanity" candidate.

In Cukurova city (Adana), HDP deputy candidates Tugay Bek, Hatice Kavran and Feride Peynirci met with Arab Alawite citizens and hundreds of people attended a HDP festival in the Seyhan district. The crowd chanted slogans supporting the Kobanê resistance and the HDP. Adana Deputy Candidate Meral Danış Beştaş said that the fighters in Kobanê have defended honor of all humanity.

[John Dolva]

YPG Press Centre said that operations to the southwest of Serêkaniyê continue within the second phase of the military campaign Operation Commander Rubar Qamishlo which was launched to liberate the western outskirts and villages of the Cizîr Canton on 6 May.

YPG said in a written statement that three villages, Hirubî, Acle and Recaan, to the southwest of Serêkaniyê were cleared of ISIS groups and liberated last night by fighters of the YPG/YPJ (People's/Women's Defense Units).

While the casualties on ISIS side couldn't be verified exactly, lots of munitions of the gang groups were seized.

Recalling that the Kobanê resistance continues in its 257th day, YPG Press Centre said Defense Units liberated the villages of Cirîn and Shewitî as a result of an operation in east Kobanê last night.

The casualties on ISIS side couldn't be verified here either, YPG said, adding that 2 fighters of the Defense Units were martyred during the operation after stepping on a mine laid by the gangs.

She took her name from the symbol of Kobanê resistance, Arin Mirkan. The young Êzîdî woman stated that ISIS gangs have lost their humanity and it is great moral support for them to be fighting among people who have different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

In the 73rd decree against Êzîdîs that began when the peshmergas abandoned Şengal, ISIS gangs captured 20 men and 12 Êzîdî women. Arin Mirkan and her captured friends endured the gangs’ tortures for 10 days before they escaped and reached Şengal Mountain to unite with their families. Mirkan decided that it was time for revenge and in her own words, she “joined the ‘hevals’ (comrades)” Mirkan calls on all young women to join YPJ.

SHE NAMED HERSELF ARİN MİRKAN AS SHE JOINED THE ‘HEVALS’

22 years old Êzîdî woman Arin Mirkan crossed borders as ISIS gangs were attacking Til Temir and joined YPJ ranks. She took her name from the symbol of Kobanê resistance Arin Mirkan who sacrificed her life in the Miştenur Hill resistance. Mirkan stated that ISIS gangs have lost their humanity and it is great moral support for them to be fighting among people who have different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

KDP FORCES DID NOT PROTECT

The war in Til Temir that began with the gangs’ occupation of Assyrian villages on February 23 continues violently. An Êzîdî woman in YPJ ranks is fighting the gangs in Til Temir and Serekaniyê with her comrades from Kurdish, Arabic, Assyrian and other backgrounds.

Like thousands of people from Şengal, her family was scattered around as the gangs invaded Şengal. Not knowing what to do, she tried to escape but failed. Without help or guidance, she was abandoned by KDP forces who were supposed be protecting her.

She was part of a group of captured civilians, 20 men and 12 women. They were put through physical and psychological torture for days and Mirkan states that what offended them the most and motivated them for an escape was “the gangs’ insults against Êzîdî religion and pressures for conversion to Islam.”

ESCAPE FROM THE GANGS

Mirkan stated that the 10 days she spent as a prisoner felt as heavy as 10 years, and described her escape in the following way: "We were lucky to escape, what about those who were left behind? KDP promised to protect us for years but the peshmergas were the first ones to escape and leave them behind at the hands of ISIS. This offended us a lot and every KDP promise was a lie. They sold out the Êzîdî people.

The gangs used physical, psychological and spiritual violence from the first day onwards. They said that were infidels and we had to convert. What they did has not human side to it, every moment we spent felt like years of wrath. We were worried the most by what could have happened to our relatives.

One night, an Êzîdî guard who had recently converted to Islam by force helped us escape. The guard said that he was converted by force and felt uneasy about our time there as prisoners. He helped us escape and we ran to the mountains.”

After their escape, Mirkan and other prisoners split up and reached Şengal Mountain. Mirkan stated that they did not mind the hunger and thirst that awaited them in the mountain because of the comfort of freedom from the gangs.

TIME FOR REVENGE

After escaping from the gangs and uniting with her family, Mirkan decided to join YPG-YPJ ranks. She is now seeking retribution for the gangs’ enslavement of thousands of people and act of selling women in markets. After her training, she went to Şengal to fight against the gangs. She later proposed to go to Til Temir when the gangs began to attack this town. As a YPJ fighter, she is now fighting in Til Temir to take revenge for the people of Şengal and all other oppressed peoples. 22 years old Arin Mirkan was shy but resilient when we met her on the battlefield in Til Temir.

'WE WILL SURELY OVERCOME'

Mirkan stated that the gangs attack women the most and have enslaved thousands of women to sell in markets. Mirkan emphasized that women aligned with Leader Apo carry out the greatest resistance against the gangs. As a person who grew up in Êzîdî society, she admits that she did not have much will or strength for most of her life.

After her participation in the struggle however, she feels empowered and has strengthened her will. Mirkan says that she receives great morale and strength from fighting alongside YPJ forces. Determined to overcome, Mirkan has sworn to take revenge for women, especially comrade Arin whose name she took on. Mirkan described her current life as communal and organized around shared values, and called on young women to join the YPJ in order to get rid of ISIS.

[John Dolva]

.
Monday, June 1, 2015 at 2:30 PM
BEHDINAN - ANF - JİYAN AMARGİ

The Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) has a number of times declared unilateral ceasefire for a democratic and political resolution of the Kurdish question. While the third one of these was announced on 1 September 1998, the Turkish state wasted the process which lasted till 2004, acting in the same manner it did during the former periods of cease-fire. In the face of the Turkish state and AKP government's persistence on policies of destruction against the Kurds, the Kurdish freedom movement announced beginning of an active defense battle on 1 June 2004, which initiated a new phase in the Kurdish question.

HPG (People's Defense Forces) guerillas spoke to ANF on the anniversary of the June 1 initiative that emerged in response to the international conspiracy of 1999 when Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan was kidnapped and arrested as rumors about the PKK’s collapse were being disseminated.

Also known as the second August 15 initiative, the June 1 initiative has gained historical importance for the Kurdish Freedom Movement and the peoples of the Middle East. The initiative paved way for the gains that have been made until today at a moment when all hope was lost for the Kurdish people. Guerillas evaluated the conditions that led to the June 1 initiative, the return, the ways in which the initiative took place, the gains of the initiative for the HPG, and the significance of this initiative for the PKK.

What were the conditions that required the June 1 initiative?

Sabır Serero: We have been in an armed struggle since 1984 and Leader Apo initiated a new period after the international conspiracy of 1999 that targeted our Leader himself. He initiated a period of democratic and non-violent resistance for the solution of the Kurdish issue. With this move, we felt the need to develop a new method and transform armed resistance for the development of peace. Despite great sacrifices, guerrillas began their great march for peace.

Upon our Leader’s call, HPG and YJA Star forces moved from northern Kurdistan to the Medya Defense Areas in the south. Forces of capitalist modernity and conspiracy tried to impose their views and systems upon the PKK in this period. Instead of establishing a permanent peace, they tried to demobilize the freedom movement and the Kurdish people. Forces of capitalist modernity also enforced their politics of marginalization on the PKK both politically and militarily. They did their best to create cracks among patriotic civilians who have made many sacrifices for democracy and freedom.

This period began in 1999 and lasted until 2003. When AKP came into power, the genocidal and destructive regime in Turkey began a counter initiative against our movement. In order to invalidate the enemy’s efforts militarily, politically and culturally, we began the June 1 initiative that was supposed to begin in 2003. However, both the demobilization pressures of foreign forces and the demobilization tendencies from within delayed our initiative, which finally began in 2004.

The main goal of our initiative was to end the denialist and destructive policies that have targeted Kurdish people for centuries. Kurdish people required protection against genocidal and denialist policies and we began the June 1 initiative in 2004 in order to protect our freedom and social values.

Zilan Kobanê: After our Leader’s imprisonment, the whole movement changed its strategy. Before this period, there was a struggle for the establishment of an independent Kurdistan. After his imprisonment, our Leader initiated a peace process and expressed his will to solve this conflict on the basis of peace and equality.
Our Leader initiated the peace process when he said ‘If we establish an independent Kurdistan today, we will not be any different from other states. We declared the unilateral ceasefire of 1999 and began to move from the north to the south. The Turkish state continued its attacks despite our ceasefire and tried every possible mean to finish off our organization. They never wanted a permanent peace and we needed to respond with a different strategy. As part of our Leader’s peace efforts, the PKK was not going to use arms as long as the issue was solved through dialogue and political methods.

However, the Turkish state did not give up on its denialist and destructive policies and the insincere response to our ceasefire made armed conflict inevitable. Our war was of course defensive as we could not be silent towards their arrests, massacres and attempts to demobilize our movement. We also witnessed ideological problems and demobilizing groups within the movement, so we responded with the June 1 initiative.

As a witness of this initiative, could you evaluate how and under which circumstances it was began?

Bedran Kawa: Within the June 1, 2004 initiative, I took place in the Serhat town where preparations were being made as the guerrilla developed a self-sacrificing spirit on the basis of the Leader's ideology and philosophy. A great effort was being made in order to answer the expectations of the process and the people from us. The martyrdom of our comrades who had been in the mountains and made great efforts, was a significant message for us. It was such a process that both the isolation of the Leader and the psychological tendencies on the people made the 1 June initiative essential.

From the history up to date, the Kurdish people have always paid prices. To some, our June 1 initiative was just a loss of time while it, however, raised the moral of our movement, comrades and people. The guerrilla and the people merged with each other, and the Leader. The switch into the new paradigm was not easy but a revival was achieved with the practiced efforts which was a legacy left to us by our comrades. We will continue pursuing this line from now on as well.

What are the gains achieved on the side of HPG?

Roni Munzur: HPG regenerated and became an organization of resistance and defense on the basis of the legacy it had gained from ARGK. Unlike ARGK which was a structure with a different formation, motivation and sense of defense, HPG had a completely new sense of defense and an untried formation set to be put into practice in Kurdistan for the first time. Its chance of success was being debated by some circles within the organization that related it with equivocacy. While some tendencies were eliminated after remaining outside this process due to their stance, the results were tremendous as the pro-Apo spirit in Kurdistan was advanced from ARGK to a higher level of military performance. The demolition of the system of denial-destruction in Kurdistan, and the ending of the hope and intention of colonist powers to maintain it, are all results of the new initiative developed by the HPG on June 1. We are still pursuing this initiative and achieving great results.

The performance developed by HPG inspires the four parts of Kurdistan today. In South, East and West Kurdistan besides the North, there are military organizations that were created on the basis of this inspiration. YPG-YPJ and other forces are a follow-up of the inspiration created by the military course developed by HPG. In this sense, we see these as a legacy and attach importance to them which became a line of defense extending across Kurdistan lands, including Sinjar and Kirkuk. In other words, the initiative of 1 June made the PKK the banner of the Middle East peoples.

Tolhıldan Serdar: June 1 was the re-attainment of a guerrilla spirit for the HPG. It eliminated all the then-voiced arguments such as "PKK has ended, they have no more power to fight", and brought along new achievements in both military and political arena as guerrilla re-emerged as a force to eliminate the deadlock in Turkey and its politics. With this initiative, we showed that the guerrilla force didn't end but on the contrary achieved a stronger spirit of struggle.

What does June 1 mean to PKK and its members today?

Roni Munzur: It turned the PKK into a movement going beyond Kurdistan. Just like August 15 initiative made PKK a reality and a great freedom dynamics, June 1 initiative made PKK the banner of the Middle East peoples. Dozens of forces are emerging across the world with the inspiration they get from the line the PKK represents today. The PKK is also establishing a ground for the organization of the peoples in Turkey and the Middle East. The revolutionary spirit was like a burned-out ash for the world humanity, the Che period had ended and revolutionism had become a simple habit of the small bourgeois romanticism. The June 1 initiative proved once again that the revolutionary stance against injustice would serve the humanity.

On the other hand, state-backed gang groups and the powers organizing them turned their steps towards the Kurdish people, youth and women, assuming that Kurdistan become abandoned and unclaimed after 1 June. It was intended to intimidate the Kurdistan society by these gangs. The guerrilla force, however, expelled them once again from Kurdistan and caused them to go back. 1 June move showed everyone that Kurdistan is not unclaimed.

The guerrilla became an alternative force against the resistance of capitalist modernity. It is thanks to the success of the 1 June initiative and the practice of the PKK's line that it promises hope to the Middle East peoples as a third line today, and calls for unity against modernity all around the world. 1 June initiative made PKK a global reality and revealed the spirit of freedom and invincibility of it. It is thanks to PKK that peoples today have a hope against capitalist modernity, and the hope becomes reality. If all the identities unite under the HDP umbrella today, this is definitely a result of the 1 June initiative.
7 / 10

Edited June 2, 2015 by John Dolva

[John Dolva]

Friday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00 PM

NEWS DESK - ANF

KCK Executive Council Member Mustafa Karasu stated that AKP instructed the massacre in Amed. KCK Executive Council Member Karasu spoke to Med Nuçe television and condemned the massacre that took place in Amed. Karasu offered condolences to the families of those who died in the massacre and said that these attacks were part of AKP’s election policies. Emphasizing Davutoğlu and Erdoğan’s recent statements targeting HDP, Karasu said that AKP instructed the massacre in Amed.

In his statement, Karasu highlighted the recent hostilities towards HDP election campaign and said that these attacks aim to intimidate the party and the people. Karasu pointed out the similarities between the massacre-centered mentalities of ISIS and AKP, and said that the sole responsible for attacks against HDP is the AKP government.

Karasu stated that Erdoğan and AKP aim to establish an oppressive regime and use the rhetoric of internal and external enemies in order to intimidate the public. Karasu claimed that the government would attack Kurds in full force if it manages to secure an election victory on June 7.

AKP LOST ITS LEGITIMACY

Karasu said that AKP has lost its legitimacy and there is no fair governance in Turkey as the number of attacks on HDP since April reached 250. Karasu called on the AKP to leave the government since the party’s rule can no longer be tolerated the people. Karasu claimed that AKP has opened war on Kurdish people and called on Kurds to resist AKP policies and increase their level of mobilization.

‘DEMOCRACY FORCES UNITED AROUND HDP AND SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED’

In his statement, Karasu emphasized that the massacre in Amed was the peak of a series of attacks that have exposed the true face of AKP. Karasu stated that such a government can neither solve the Kurdish issue nor address other topics such as the Alevi question. In order to resolve these issues, Karasu called on every ethnic and religious group as well as women and young people to form a web of democracy around HDP in the upcoming elections.

Friday, June 5, 2015 at 3:30 PM

News Desk - ANF

YPG/YPJ forces liberated 11 villages and 7 hamlets near Mebruka and Mount Kizwan. YPG took control of a strategic hill as well as the gangs’ transport route of Ebu Xeşeb after an intense fight. YPG Media Center stated that the Commander Rubar Qamishlo Initiative aiming to liberate the western outskirts of Cizîr Canton continues in full force on its 30th day.

YPG officials stated that the second phase of the initiative continues to the southwest of Serêkaniyê and YPG forces continue their march to the west of Mebruka after ending their operations in between Mount Kizwan and Alya village successfully.

Officials also said that the villages of Elegil, El-Semaş, El-Katum and two unidentified settlements as well as 7 hamlets to the west of Mebruka were liberated within the last 24 hours. YPG operation in between Mount Kizwan and Alya village ended successfully after the liberation of Ebû Xeşeb road and the villages of El Girîn, Sifeyan, Ebû Fixêd, Hisên Ecêl, Elbo Hesen, and Eleşan.

[Steven Gaal]

Terror Trial Collapses: Suspect Accused of Supporting Syria Fighting Groups Backed by British Intelligence MI6

http://www.globalresearch.ca/terror-trial-collapses-suspect-accused-of-supporting-syria-fighting-groups-backed-by-british-intelligence-mi6/5453694

[John Dolva]

Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 12:00 PM


NEWS DESK - ANF


YPG/YPJ fighters killed tens of ISIS gangs and repelled the gangs’ attack between Çelebi village and Hol area. Hesna village and nearby hamlets to the west of Mebruka have also been liberated from the gangs.



YPG/YPJ fighters continue to deal major blows on the 31st day of Commander Rubar Initiative. YPG/YPJ forces repelled the ISIS attacks between Çelebi village near Mount Kizwan and Huveyş village in Hol area successfully.





GANG ATTACK IN ÇELEBİ REPELLED



ISIS gangs attacked YPG forces near Çelebi village located between Hesekê and Mount Kizwan yesterday afternoon. YPG/YPJ forces fought back throughout the night and killed tens of gang members. Coalition warplanes also bombed gang positions near Çelebi, and the attack was successfully repelled.





GANGS ATTACK HOL



ISIS gangs also attached YPG/YPJ positions near Huveyş village located in Hol area to the southeast of Hesekê around 22:00 last night. YPG/YPJ forces quickly responded and killed 8 gang members. YPG/YPJ forces confiscated 2 BKC rifles and 3 kalashnikovs that they found nearby two ISIS corpses.





YPG/YPJ MARCH CONTINUES, 10 KM LEFT BEFORE SİLUK



YPG/YPJ forces organized a new attack on ISIS positions in Bedia Suluk and Xwelan villages to the west of Mebruka. After intense fighting, YPG/YPJ fighters liberated Hesna village and nearby hamlets, which brings the YPG/YPJ only 10 km away from the town of Siluk.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaEkuXtQjg0#t=190

Edited June 7, 2015 by John Dolva

[John Dolva]

As the Operation Commander Rubar Qamishlo continues on its 34th day, fighters of the YPG/YPJ (People's/Women's Defense Units) have advanced up to 6 km to the town of Silûk, inflicting heavy blows on ISIS gangs.

The villages of Til Ebdillah and El-Sukkeriyê 49 km west of Mebruka and 6 km to Silûk town were also cleansed of ISIS groups and liberated last night.

YPG/YPJ continue making further advances towards the Silûk town.

[Steven Gaal]

Mocking the DIA Report on the Creation of ISIS

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by Brad Hoff, June 13, 2015

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http://original.antiwar.com/brad_hoff/2015/06/12/mocking-the-dia-report-on-the-creation-of-isis/

Jacob Siegal, writing for The Daily Beast, misses an opportunity to shine light on the 2012 declassified Defense Intelligence Agency document foretelling the rise of “an Islamic State”, instead, opting to mock those reporting and attempting to interpret its contents.

In his June 6 article, The ISIS Conspiracy that ate the Web, Siegal devotes the majority of his words not to careful analysis of the document, but instead to consigning all those, like Seamus Milne of The Guardian, who dare take the document as a serious and newsworthy revelation worthy of public scrutiny, with the label of partisan conspiracy theorist (the Daily Beast article itself is categorized under the heading “Conspiracy Theory”):

If you’re looking for a single, simple explanation for the rise of the Islamic State that flatters your pre-existing politics, you’ve hit pay dirt.

He begins by holding up the admittedly nutty Pamela Geller as somehow representative of the DIA document’s early reporting, though she had nothing to do with either reporting or analyzing the document, instead merely copying the entirety of my own original article to her website many days after its release and adding her own brief commentary (while never seeking my permission), such as the simplistic: “Look at what Obama and his party of treason have unleashed on the world.”

The Pamela Gellers of the world will always have ultra-partisan, self-serving interpretations of what is fundamentally real, newsworthy information, but presenting her and others like her as actually representing the reporting that “ate the Web” is a sloppy attempt to obfuscate the valid conclusions being drawn and circulated as a result of this truly significant document. Siegal would like us to conclude, like Juan Cole, that there is really “nothing to see here folks, move it along, etc…” by first presenting and debunking “low hanging fruit” that is irrelevant to how the story originally spread.

I appreciate that at the very least my own reporting is held up as serious and credible with the lines in the end paragraphs, “The DIA could do itself and the public a favor by addressing the 3 year-old declassified report instead of responding to inquiries with variations on no comment as it did when approached by journalist Brad Hoff.”

I wholeheartedly agree, but it strikes me as odd and inconsistent that Siegal should first write off Seumas Milne’s excellent piece in The Guardian (which now has over 85,000 Facebook shares alone), taking issue even with the title, Now the truth emerges: how the US fuelled the rise of Isis in Syria and Iraq.

The title of my own May 19 article, West will facilitate rise of Islamic State “in order to isolate the Syrian regime” – which was the first to report and examine the DIA document’s contents in terms of “the West backed ISIS” angle, would no doubt also attract the ire of Mr. Siegal should he have bothered to find out the origin of the viral “conspiracy” that ate the web. And yet, he holds me up as a credible journalist cited just after the following: “The report raises some important questions but it’s a mistake to think it answers them.”

What bothers me is that, as a paid editor and journalist at the The Daily Beast, Jacob Siegal refuses to make use of the significant resources at his disposal to seek answers to the many questions he says the document raises, opting instead to attach a stigma to any reporting or analysis that might actually see the document as evidence of U.S. government wrongdoing or negligence (especially as he informs us he formerly worked as an army intelligence officer, which makes it likely that he’d have helpful contacts that might be useful in actually investigating the document).

But I suppose it’s much easier to do a hit piece on straw man conspiracy theories, as opposed to a careful reading and response to the actual original reporting through which the DIA document went viral.

My own reporting began going viral within days after being published. Investigative journalist and best-selling author Nafeez Ahmed, whose counter-terrorism work gained official recognition by the 9/11 Commission, followed on May 22 with an in-depth investigative piece on the DIA report at INSURGE intelligence, which greatly expanded on my report, putting it into full geopolitical context.

Most significantly, Ahmed was able to get official statement from the British Foreign Office, and his coverage of the DIA document later headlined across leading German daily papers and political magazines. It was this story, copied to Zero Hedge, that Juan Cole dismissed as “just a clickbait story”.

But neither my reporting, nor Nafeez Ahmed’s ever claimed that the DIA document exists as stand-alone “smoking gun” proof of the claims that the West knowingly fueled the rise of Islamic State. As I said soon after writing my report on the Scott Horton show, the DIA document merely “completes the picture” – a picture that many, including Ahmed, have been piecing together for years.

But that the West and the USdid fuel the rise of ISIS through political support, weapons, logistical coordination, and supplies given to militants in Syria is hardly the theory of a few independent journalists when you have the likes of former Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford going around confessing that he himself knowingly backed rebels fighting alongside ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Syria (Nusra) in 2013. Remember that Ford was the State Department’s top man in Syria and thus had a key role in the rebel “vetting” process. (As for other former government officials, current politicians, and even FSA commanders that have also said that the West gave political and material support to the then nascent Islamic State…well the list is too long for this column.)

While government officials like to claim that “we didn’t know” or that “we had good intentions,” this DIA document is just additional proof that at the very least, at some official level, they did know. The dynamics of the conflict and potential consequences of the West’s course of action were spelled out in quite precise (and prescient) terms, and put into writing in the form of an information report and circulated widely (the early reporting never claimed the document was itself produced as an active or official policy document).

Considering the fact that the world has been told incessantly that ISIS and their associate jihadi allies represent the single greatest and most brutal terror threat mankind has ever seen (and add to that the CIA and White House claim that they just didn’t see ISIS coming!), you would think that for The Daily Beast this might constitute a major newsworthy scandal worth digging into. But again, Siegal instead chooses to make the story ultimately about the power of “conspiracy theories” that take over the web.

Ironically, he cites the discredited and disgraced former NSA officer John Schindler to say that the DIA document is largely irrelevant and unimportant based on its redactions as well as our inability to know the level of importance assigned to it within the intelligence community (as its classification is not high level).

While Siegal acknowledges that this “sort of report of regional scope and strategic implications was outside my purview” his guiding assumption is that it couldn’t have been very important: “by itself, it’s only evidence of one analysis among thousands churned out yearly by the various intelligence agencies.”

But Siegal could have and should have consulted former high ranking MI6 spy and Middle East expert Alastair Crooke, who does have the experience and background to know. Crooke’s analysis appeared in his regular Huffington Post column a full five days prior Siegal’s Daily Beast article. As to the DIA document’s level of importance within the intelligence community, Crooke confidently asserts following his main thesis:

Intelligence assessments purpose is to provide “a view” – not to describe or prescribe policy. But it is clear that the DIA reports’ “warnings” were widely circulated and would have been meshed into the policy consideration.

The main indicator affirming that this DIA report was not merely “one analysis among thousands” (and by implication barely visible), is described in a Salon.com article which appeared nine days prior to Siegal’s cries of conspiracy theory:

Few of the reports on these documents have discussed on what terms Judicial Watch received them. The organization received the documents by requesting – among other things – “[a]ny and all records produced by any official of the [Departments of Defense and State] in preparation for, use during, and/or pursuant to any” briefing of Congressional leaders and Intelligence Committee leaders, “on matters related to the activities of any agency or department of the US government at the Special Mission Compound and/or classified annex in Benghazi, Libya.” These reports were important, then, to DOD’s own understanding of events surrounding the Benghazi attack.

As to the content of the DIA document itself, Siegal’s main point (after citing Cole) is that the DIA is actually pointing the finger exclusively at America’s allies like Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and that “the West” (and US) is somehow wholly separate from its own coalition. Joe Biden’s revealing comments at Harvard University are referenced, but his prior statements regarding support for the Syrian opposition are ignored: “We are working hand and glove with the Turks, with the Jordanians, with the Saudis, and with all the people in the region attempting to identify the people who deserve the help…” (and this is consistent with statements of other US officials).

The idea that US intelligence and military officials were far removed from the situation as allies armed the likes of Nusra, ISIS, and Ahrar Al-Sham, even while those officials all occupied the same “operations command center” (in Jordan and in Turkey), is absurd on its face. American government officials themselves told the New York Times of a joint Saudi/CIA program to arm the rebels beginning in 2012.

The truth is often much more banal than a good conspiracy theory: it often requires knowledge of the alignment of those interests, institutions, historical forces, and guiding ideologies that give birth to a particular horrid consequence. It is the media’s job to investigate and map out those alignments. Such is the case with the swift rise of the monster that is Islamic State. While it would give me great personal comfort to be able to dismiss inconvenient truths as mere conspiracy theory, I would prefer a national media that tells me the hard truth, and never ceases digging until unearthing that truth.

As he admits that the DIA document raises valid questions, my hope is that Jacob Siegal is even now digging, asking tough questions of DIA and other officials, seeking behind the scenes comment, submitting further FOIA requests, etc… This is my sincere hope, but I suppose I shouldn’t hold my breath.

[John Dolva]

Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:00 PM
KOBANÊ - ANF -SEDAT SUR

YPJ (Women's Defense Units) Kobanê Eastern Front Commander Biharin Kendal spoke to ANF about the Kobanê battle and the recent situation in the operation to liberate Girê Spî.

What is the recent situation in Kobanê, especially on the eastern front?

Our operation going on for a long time has progressed on the basis of liberation of Kobanê so far. On the western and southern fronts, we have reached the preceding borders we held before the beginning of the major wave of attacks on 15 September.

We have also reached the boundaries on the eastern front now. We are advancing in a controlled manner because the villages of Cirne, Xane, Heri, Kendale and Serzori are full of mines laid by the ISIS. The gangs are currently not present in these villages but we haven't entered them yet as an uncontrolled entrance could end up in casualties. The Kobanê part of the operation has been completed and followed by the phase of liberating Tel Abyad.

WE WILL UNITE THE CANTONS

What is the importance of liberation of Girê Spî?

We are making preparations for the Tel Abyad phase of the operation with an aim to unite the cantons of Kobanê and Cizîrê after entering the regions leading to Tel Abyad beyond Kobanê borders, to cleanse these areas of ISIS gangs and finally to liberate Tel Abyad. We are not treating this operation from a military perspective alone. We also aim to liberate the peoples enslaved by ISIS gangs. We want to liberate the areas, anywhere in Syria, where ISIS took people under their control and subject them to persecution, and to enable peoples to rule themselves freely.

On the other hand, Tel Abyad constitutes a line separating the cantons of Rojava. The liberation of Tel Abyad, which is a major stronghold of ISIS and breals the connection between the cantons of Kobanê and Cizîrê, and the uniting of the cantons will prevent the ISIS gangs to launch their attacks on both cantons from this region. In addition, the ongoing ISIS occupation in Tel Abyad brings along a serious embargo and encirclement on the Kobanê Canton. In consideration of all these points, the liberation of Tel Abyad is of crucial importance for both the Arab people living in that region, and the peoples living in the cantons of Kobanê and Cizîrê.

To us, it doesn't make any difference which peoples are living in these regions. We only aim to liberate this area, to free peoples from ISIS persecution, and to unite our cantons by removing this line that separates the cantons from each other.

What is the recent situation in the ongoing operation?

We are continuing our operations in east Kobanê in coordination with the Cizîrê Canton. As of today, our forces in Kobanê have made an advance of up to 10-12 kilometers towards Tel Abyad. Our operation towards Tel Abyad will also continue from the other lines on the eastern front. The operation for Tel Abyad is not advancing on a single line, we are making advances from many lines.

As part of our operation starting from Cizîrê, Mount Kizwan and Siluk town (we call it a town despite it being as large as a district at least) have been liberated. According to the most recent reports I have obtained, our forces have taken the road between Raqqa and Tel Abyad under their control. This road which ISIS gangs were using to bring in reinforcements has been cut off now.

ANY SUPPORT TO ISIS FROM NOW ON WILL BE COUNTED AS DONE BY THE TURKISH STATE

Do ISIS gangs have any other road under their control for bringing in their reinforcements?

It is not possible for ISIS gangs to deliver any reinforcements over this line. Apart from several villages, where they cannot make intense reinforcements, the Turkish gate is the only point where ISIS can get reinforcements.

Any kind of support and logistic aid to be provided to ISIS gangs from now on will be counted as enabled from the Turkish border crossing because of the fact that gangs have no other way to do this. As we have witnessed in person and also through press since the very beginning, the Turkish state is providing ISIS gangs with all kinds of support. If the Turkish state happens to help the ISIS gangs from Akçakale border crossing once again, it will definitely give account of this. The Turkish state every support possible to the gangs when they attacked Kobanê. This hasnt been forgotten yet. And if it provides a similar support again, we will never accept it.

How is the morale of the fighters of the YPG/YPJ?

I have been witnessing this war for a long time now but I have never seen the present excitement and morale among the fighters before. The excitement and enthusiasm gained with the liberation of Kobanê has become eternal with the beginning of the Tel Abyad operation. Every single fighter is very much eager to join the battle at the forefront to liberate Tel Abyad. I think words will fail to express the motivation of the fighters. Dozens of comrades we fought together dreamed of taking part in Tel Abyad operation. Many of them were martyred or wounded, and couldn't take place in this operation. I can say that this eagerness is felt by all the comrades participating the operation now. We are pleased to make their wish real but also deeply hurt by their absence. All our planning, determination and approach is based on the desire to be worthy of the comrades and martyrs we have left behind.

Turkey's media, that close to the AKP in particular, are spreading reports that the Turkmen and Arab people in the region have been displaced by the YPG/YPJ. What do you have to say in this regard?

There are almost no Kurds left in Tel Abyad, especially after the ISIS occupation began. It is the Arab and Turkmen people living in these areas at the moment. Our philosophy doesn't include a denial or exclusion of any of the peoples in this region. We aim to create free areas where everyone can represent themselves. As we stated before, what we aim with Tel Abyad operation is to make sure that all peoples live in a democratic environment.

BURKAN AL FIRAT FIGHTERS ARE CHILDREN OF THE ARAB PEOPLE

Isn't Burkan Al Fırat, with whom you conduct joint operations for the liberation of Tel Abyad, comprised of Arab fighters anyway?

True. Burkan Al Fırat is mainly made up of Arabs. Its fighters are children of the Arab people. The aim of our operations is not to drive the Arab and Turkmen people from this territory, but on the contrary, to create a free and equal life together with them.

The constitution of our cantons will also be prevailing for the peoples living here who will also gain equal representation in our cantons, leading a free life with their own identities and cultures. No one should ever doubt it. Various peoples and belief groups in the Cizîrê Canton are living in equality and fraternity now. The model applied in Cizîrê Canton will also be recognized in Tel Abyad and all the areas where YPG/YPJ are present. These peoples who have been enslaved under ISIS persecution are supporting our operations the Arab and Turkmen people that have now flocked to the border are fleeing ISIS cruelty.

Finally, what would you like to say regarding the victory achieved by HDP in the elections in North Kurdistan?

We congratulate the HDP victory and will answer it with the liberation of Tel Abyad. The importance of the HDP victory for the freedom and fraternity of peoples is as great as the importance of the Tel Abyad's liberation for the freedom of the peoples.

We also commemorate the victims of the bloody attack that targeted the HDP rally before the elections, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. We reiterate our promise to remain loyal to our martyrs and to enhance the struggle. HDP's achievement of exceeding the threshold has been the most meaningful answer to our martyrs. We will also try to be worthy of their memories by liberating Tel Abyad. On this basis, we salute all the peoples of North Kurdistan and Turkey, of Amed in the first place, and congratulate their victory.





Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 12:00 PM
URFA - ANF

Thousands of civilians who have flocked to the Turkish border after fleeing the ISIS-occupied city of Girê Spî, which has been surrounded by YPG/YPJ now, are simply being left to death at Turkish border where Turkish soldiers aren't allowing them to cross the border.

In the meantime, YPG/YPJ and Burkan Al Fırat forces that have reached the outskirts of Girê Spî will launch an operation at city center.

YPG/YPJ forces that have cut off the road between Girê Spî and Raqqa, which was of major importance for the ISIS gangs, surrounded the city with the support of Burkan Al Fırat forces.

While YPG/YPJ forces are heading towards Girê Spî from the Serêkaniyê side, Burkan Al Fırat forces are advancing from the Kobanê side.

At the Turkish border, which is the only side remaining open in the city which has been surrounded from the sides, Turkish soldiers are hindering the crossing of Rojava civilians with armored vehicles and water cannons.

After the soldiers didn't allow the civilians to cross into the Turkish side, ISIS gangs also appeared near them at the border and forced them to turn back to the city by force of arms.

Refusing to be used by ISIS as human shields, the people flocked a while after back to the border where they continue waiting without food and water, subjected to quite hot weather of 35 degrees. Thousands of civilians are asking to be provided with water, showing the empty water bottles in their hands, and to cross into the Turkish side where their relatives also continue waiting for them to be allowed inside.

Yesterday, YPG General Command called on the inhabitants in the area of the ongoing Operation Commander Rubar Qamishlo to leave the region and go to the Cizîrê Canton to avoid being harmed and used by ISIS gangs as human shields.

Vowing to provide all kinds of humanitarian aid to the people displaced due to ongoing battle, YPG General Command said; "We are ready to offer any kind of help to ensure that the people can turn back home once the operation has been finalized and the region is cleansed of gang groups."

The denial of permission for the refugees is said to be a decision of the Turkish government as Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmuş stated last Wednesday that Turkey wouldn't allow in refugees from then on.

On the other hand, it is reported to be a matter of time before YPG converge with Burkan Al Fırat forces on the southern front. Both groups of forces will reportedly start an operation soon to liberate the Girê Spî city. According to information gathered from local sources, gun fires are reported from the center of the city, where also smokes are rising, as YPG/YPJ and Burkan Al Fırat are getting more and more closer to the city.
1 / 4

[John Dolva]

JINHA

NEWS CENTER - Earlier today, YPJ/YPG and allied forces entered the city of Girê Spî (Tel Abyad), a key Daesh-occupied city along the Turkish-Syrian border.

The city of Girê Spî, long under Daesh occupation, holds immense strategic significance for its proximity to the Turkish border, where Daesh is known to bring weapons and gang members from Turkey into Syria. The city also lies between the two Rojava cantons of Cizîrê and Kobanê. YPJ/YPG forces' liberation of the city will mean that the two cantons will have a territorial link for the first time ever.

YPJ/YPG forces approached the city from the east and southeast and Burkan al-Firat forces from the west. Daesh forces had attempted to use civilians as human shields as the fighters approached. The Turkish state cooperated by closing the only exit to the city--the Turkish border north of Girê Spî--for two days. Yesterday, thousands of civilians fleeing the fighting managed to tear down the barbed wire at the Turkish border and enter Turkey.

Fighters crossed the Cellab River last night. After securing control of the bridge to the city and the nearby hill, fighters entered the urban center today, fighting mainly in two neighborhoods: Meşhur Fokani on the eastern side of the city and Meşhur Tehtani in the southeast. This morning, fighters secured territory as close as one kilometer from the Turkish Akçale border gate.

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Rojda Serhat/JINHA

SERÊKANIYÊ - The International Freedom Battalion, a new brigade of international revolutionaries fighting to defend the Rojava revolution, has called on women of the world to join their ranks.

This week, international revolutionary fighters who have come to Rojava to defend the revolution there announced the formation of the International Freedom Battalion. The brigad had its opening ceremony in Serêkaniyê. The battalion, explained member Sefagül Aslan from Turkey, works to strengthen and defend the Rojava revolution through both military and non-military activities.

Revolutionary left organizations from Turkey, Spain, Greece and Germany have formed the battalion and invite revolutionary-minded individuals and groups from around the world to join. Sefagül is a member of communist group TKP-ML/TİKKO from Turkey.

"As people from around the world are joining Daesh and taking part in inhumane barbarism, we are doing the opposite. We're forming a battalion to fight alongside the YPG/YPJ, to provide a space for peoples from around the world and to build international unity," explained Sefagül. She stressed that there was space in the battalion for revolutionaries of all religions, languages and identities. Members do not only fight; IFB also takes part in non-military activities to build the revolution.

At the same time, the brigade is working against the oppression of women. Daesh has become known worldwide for its practices of raping women and selling them as slaves. Sefagül said that she and her group had long witnessed the Turkish's state's violence against women. The revolution in Rojava gave her hope that change was possible for women around the world.

"Every victory here by the women's liberation movement gives hope to the women of the world," said Sefagül. "We want to see women leave their homes and come here."

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JINHA

AMED - Over the last few days, thousands of civilians fleeing the city of Girê Spî (Tel Abyad) have faced a crisis as Turkish border guards turned them away. HDP Diyarbakır representative Nursel Aydoğan says the Turkish state intentionally refused entry to civilians in order to cause civilian deaths in the battle and blame them on the YPJ/YPG.

Earlier today, YPJ/YPG and Burkan al-Firat forces entered the city of Girê Spî (Tel Abyad), a location of life or death importance for Daesh. The YPJ/YPG had advanced on the city from Sêrekaniyê in Rojava's Cizîrê Canton, Burkan al-Firat from Kobanê Canton in a joint pincer maneuver. Forces surrounded the city from the south, east and west. With this, they cut off the road to the Daesh capital of Rakka.

As they approached the city, YPJ/YPG forces have pledged to use all resources necessary to help civilians return to their homes in Tel Abyad as soon as the city is free from Daesh. In the meantime, they have called on civilians to evacuate temporarily.

Thousands of civilians headed north to the Turkish border to flee the advancing front. There, Turkish soldiers met them with armored vehicles, leaving them at the border gate under the hot sun. Turkish forces at times used water cannons and other violent methods to force the civilians back into the city. Daesh, for its part, was ordering civilians back into Tel Abyad at gunpoint.

Although the Turkish state has attempted to create the impression that Turkey "opens its arms" to refugees, said Nursel Aydoğan, the civilians were only allowed to cross the border after widespread backlash and a series of negotiations.

"It's necessary that civilians be unharmed in the fighting there. The AKP government is shrewdly trying to ensure Daesh's success, and the YPJ/YPG forces failure, in Tel Abyad by keeping civilians there to stop the YPJ/YPG operation," said Nursel. "If the civilians can't leave and there are civilian deaths in this operation, [the AKP government] will claim that the YPJ/YPG forces committed war crimes. They're trying to erase the prestige that the YPJ/YPG has gained internationally."

Nursel called for civilians to immediately be allowed to evacuate Tel Abyad via the border gate to the north or to Rojava's Cizîrê Canton in the east.

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[John Dolva]

Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 11:00 AM

KOBANÊ - ANF

YPG-YPJ and joint forces that had liberated Girê Spî arrived at Kobanê to hold a military ceremony where thousands of people also celebrated the victory yesterday.

After their liberation of Girê Spî, YPG-YPJ Cizîr forces that participated in Commander Rubar Qamişlo Initiative and the joint forces that participated in Martyr Gelhar Operation arrived at Kobanê to hold a military ceremony. After this ceremony, thousands of people celebrated the liberation of Girê Spî.

Military forces arrived at Kobane city center at 14:00 and held a military ceremony here. After a moment of silence for those fighters who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, Kobanê Executive Council President Enwer Muslim, Defence Council President İsmet Şêx, YPG Commander Cemîl Kobanê and YPJ Cizîr commander Rehîme Kobanê made speeches to address the thousands of people celebrating the liberation of Girê Spî.

MUSLİM: MAY THE YPG SUCCESS BRING PEACE TO THE HEARTS OF ALL OUR PEOPLES

In his speech, Kobanê Executive Council President Enwer Muslim recalled their promise to protect civilians living in the cantons, and wished that the YPG-YPJ success brought peace to the hearts of all people including Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians and Turkmens. Muslim reminded that their forces fight for a sisterly, peaceful, secure and honorable life, and thanked all YPG fighters and patriotic civilians who contributed to the victory in Girê Spî.

Defense Council President İsmet Şêx Hesen welcomed YPG-YPJ warriors who shielded the people of Kobanê against attacks and said that they owed their lives to the historic resistance of YPG-YPJ fighters. Hesen dedicated the Girê Spî victory to all four parts of Kurdistan and Leader Apo.

YPG COMMANDER KOBANÊ: THE RETURN TO KOBANÊ TOOK PLACE AFTER A HISTORIC VICTORY

YPG Commander Cemîl Kobanê welcomed all civilians and fighters from Cizîr and Kobanê, and recalled the heavy prices YPG-YPJ warriors have made in the struggle against ISIS so far. Kobanê dedicated the victory to Leader Apo and the mothers and fathers of all martyrs. Kobanê said that their forces kept their promise to bring together Kurdish, Arab and Assyrian people in order to clear the region off of ISIS gangs.

Kobanê criticized the accusations against YPG-YPJ that these forces occupy areas and force civilians to migrate, and said that their forces would only work towards the union of Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian and other people. Kobanê invited the people of Bakur (North Kurdistan) to be wary of AKP accusations and provocations, and called upon everyone to start rebuilding their towns and villages. Kobanê ended his speech by pledging their allegiance to the freedom of Kurdish people and the democratization of Syria.

YPJ COMMANDER KOBANÊ: OUR MARTYRS BROUGHT US TOGETHER

YPJ Cizîr commander Rehîme Kobanê dedicated the historic union of Kobanê and Cizîr cantons to Leader Apo and commemorated YPG-YPJ martyrs who fell during the liberation of Girê Spî. Kobanê thanked and saluted the people of Bakur and Rojava who contributed to the victory.

Kobanê emphasized that it was pro-Apo spirit that motivated all martyrs such as Gelhat and Rûbar, and it would be this spirit that will remain paramount and lead the people of Kurdistan to freedom and victory.

After these speeches, thousands of people danced to celebrate the liberation of Girê Spî from ISIS gangs and chanted in favor of YPG-YPJ.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 3:00 PM

ANKARA - ANF

Human Rights Association (İHD), stated that at least 50 ISIS gang members crossed over from Girê Spî to Turkey, and that the Turkish state did not follow upon the arrival of any of these gangs.

Human Rights Association (İHD), stated that at least 50 ISIS gang members crossed over from Girê Spî (Tel Abyad) to Turkey, and that the Turkish state did not follow upon the arrival of any of these gangs. In its report, IHD said that thousands of refugees kept at the border for 3 days were not able to satisfy their basic needs such as nutrition.

'CIVILIANS KEPT AT THE BORDER WERE UNABLE TO SATISFY THEIR BASIC NEEDS'

Representatives from Human Rights Association (IHD) Headquarters went to Akçakale Border Gate in order to examine the conditions of predominantly-Arab refugees who have been fleeing from Girê Spî (Tel Abyad) due to the clashes between ISIS gangs and the forces of PYD and Burkan El Fırat throughout June, 2015. The IHD committee released its report on its observations and stated that approximately 23,250 crossed over to Turkey between June 3 and 13, 2015. IHD reported that the Turkish state banned border crossings between June 13 and 16, and finally changed its policy on June 16. IHD added that thousands of people including women, children, and disabled individuals were kept at the border for 3 days, during which these civilians were unable to satisfy their basic needs such as nutrition.

'ISIS VIOLENCE CAUSES CIVILIANS TO SEEK REFUGE'

IHD emphasized that ISIS violence was the main cause for civilians’ escape and added that people began to return to Girê Spî after PYD and Burkan El Fırat forces liberated the town from ISIS gangs. IHD stated that 90 percent of the civilians were Arab and got directed to refugee camps in the Derik district of Mardin, and 10 percent of the civilians were Turkmen and got directed to refugee camps in Osmaniye. IHD also emphasized the arrest of journalists who asked questions to Urfa governor, and added that Turkish civilians carried out verbal attacks on the arrested journalists.

'ISIS GANGS CROSSED OVER INTO TURKEY'

IHD Committee stated that ISIS gangs directed fleeing civilians to an area full of landmines in order to use Akçakale Border Gate for crossing over into Turkey themselves on June 5, 2015. IHD reported that at least 50 ISIS gang members entered Turkey as a result of this manipulation. IHD said that a significant portion of the refugees was composed of women, children, old men and disabled individuals. Many refugees were denied access to camps and could not satisfy their basic needs such as nutrition. In its report, IHD posed the question of why Akçakale Border Gate was closed to crossings between June 13 and 16, which created a grave security threat and allowed the passage of ISIS gangs into Turkey.

'VICTIMIZATION SHOULD BE PREVENTED'

IHD committee declared that the questions they posed remain unanswered and their attempts to meet with Urfa governor were ignored. IHD emphasized the cases of victimization targeting civilian refugees and said that the Turkish state did not do anything to follow upon the arrival and passage of more than 50 ISIS gang members. IHD demanded the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid through Akçakale Border Gate, and said that further cases of victimization should be prevented at all costs.

[John Dolva]

Friday, June 19, 2015 at 12:00 PM
URFA -HAYRİ DEMİR / MEHMET SIDDIK DAMAR - ANF

A house near Akçakale Border Gate that is used by armed gangs who threatened journalists with beheading them has been discovered after Urfa Governor’s decision to not answer questions on ISIS presence in the district. The building was built by ISIS supporter A.A. and rented out for 6 months for a total rent of 100,000 TL. ISIS gangs were photographed near Turkish soldiers right next to this house during the first days of the fighting in Girê Spî, and the Turkish state’s lack of response to the ISIS headquarter exposes the cooperation between Turkey and ISIS.

Dicle News Agency (DIHA) had publicized the presence of this ISIS headquarter in its news article “Is ISIS waging the war from Akçakale” around the time when forces of YPG-YPJ and Burkan El Firat had arrived at Girê Spî city center. The headquarter located in the İlle (Öncül) neighborhood to the east of Akçakale is still in use and Turkish officials continue to turn a blind eye to ISIS presence here. Several pick-up trucks and minibuses without license plates used in suicide bombings are parked outside the house and armed gang members who had also threatened journalists yesterday enter and exit the house continually. Local sources say that the mysterious house is used as an ISIS headquarter.

The house was first filmed on June 13 when fighting in Girê Spî city center began. Bearded men arrived at the house in 4-5 cars with Syrian license plates and later spoke to Turkish soldiers in front of the house. Reportedly, these men were ISIS members who were informing Turkish soldiers that they were going to organize the fight in the eastern front from this house.

Visits became more frequent after the liberation of Girê Spî

After the liberation of Girê Spî from ISIS on June 14, visits to the house became more frequent and there are currently two minibuses, two pick-up trucks and two trucks located in front of the house. There is also a large truck that is used for transporting other vehicles, and men with long beards have been filmed having lengthy phone conversations in front of the house.

Jeep with Syrian license plate brings a different person each time it arrives at the house

A white jeep with a Syrian license plate is almost always parked in front of the house and its drivers and passengers are different people each time the jeep is used for transportation and delivery. Those who arrive at the property always directly enter the mysterious house and only step out for having phone conversations.

Armed gangs’ vehicle parked outside

The white jeep parked outside the house is also the jeep that armed gangs intimidating journalists nearby the border gate had used, and this connection leads civilians nearby to view the house as an ISIS headquarter. Two ISIS groups had met nearby the border gate and observed the area after threatening journalists yesterday. One of these groups left the border gate and parked its vehicle in front of the aforementioned house, which confirms local civilians’ suspicions about the house.

Who photographed the journalists?

Another event that raised eyebrows was that people who photographed journalists recently also stay at this house. Many journalists are continually followed and photographed as part of gangs’ intimidation efforts.

100,000 TL paid for rent over the past 6 months

The house is the building that is closest to the border, and was built six months ago by Akçakale resident and street vender A.A. who later rented the house to people from outside the city. According to the claims, a total of 100,000 TL has been paid for rent over the past 6 months to A.A, who is an outspoken ISIS supporter. Despite his low-paying job, A.A. has bought a luxurious car recently, a detail that increases suspicions about the use of his property as an ISIS headquarter.
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BEHDINAN - ANF

PKK (Kurdistan Worker's Party) Executive Committee has released a statement congratulating the Girê Spî victory over ISIS.

Recalling that the liberation of Girê Spî (Tal Abyad) from ISIS fascism has come after that of Mount Kizwan, PKK Executive Committee congratulated YPG-YPJ and Burkan Al Fırat forces, the Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian-Syriac peoples in Rojava, as well as all women and youths on the victory, and wished them outstanding success in the democracy struggle they wage against fascism and colonialism.

Remarking that the victory is an effective practice of the democratic modernity theory developed by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, PKK commemorated the immortal commanders and fighters of YPG-YPJ in the person of Rubar, Gelhat, Destina and Arin, and vowed that their memory will always remain alive in Free Kurdistan and Democratic Syria.

"It is beyond any doubt that the heavy blows and defeats inflicted on fascist ISIS gangs in Kurdistan as they attempted to make further advances and occupy further areas within Iraq and Syria have a historic importance", PKK said and underlined that the Girê Spî victory which united the cantons of Cizîrê and Kobanê and paved the way for the establishment of Rojava Freedom Revolution and Democratic Syrian Revolution will bring along Democratic Middle East Confederalism with its influence on the entire territory of Kurdistan and Middle East.

"In this sense, Girê Spî is a major and historic victory of all Syrian, Kurdistan and Middle East peoples, and of the free humanity”, it added.

Stressing that the Girê Spî victory will strengthen and consolidate the Rojava Democratic Autonomous Administration which is grounded on the free and organized will of peoples, PKK Executive Committee said; “We believe that the Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen peoples living in Girê Spî (Tal Abyad) will get along under a joint democratic ruling they will establish themselves, just like in other cantons, and create the most powerful sample of the equality and fraternity of peoples. In this way, building of democratic nation based on the free and organized will of peoples and all identities will be realized in Rojava Kurdistan and entire Syria.”

PKK stated that this great victory in a small area has guided all the oppressed and humanity as the practice of the ideas of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and the democratic modernity theory he developed, and with the solidarity of all Kurdistan and Middle East peoples and the entire humanity for freedom and democracy.

PKK Executive Committee said the Kurdish Freedom Movement believed that the Rojava Freedom Revolution will make further advances by achieving greater victories against ISIS fascism and all kinds of reactionism, and become established by enhancing the construction of democratic nation with all its aspects.

Once again commemorating all the freedom martyrs with respect and gratefulness, PKK Executive Committee congratulated the brave commanders and fighters of YPG and YPJ on the historic victory, and voiced a wish for the victory to bring along freedom and democracy.

NEWS DESK - ANF

Internationalist Freedom Battalion Command announced that the Arab representative of the battalion, Mazlum Akdaş, fell a martyr on June 18.

The Internationalist Freedom Battalion Command said in a written statement that MLKP (Marxist Leninist Communist Party) fighter Mazlum Akdaş (Halil Aksakal/Antakya-Turkey) fell a martyr alongside three comrades as a result of a mine explosion on the southern front of Siluk on June 18.

The statement said that commander Akdaş from Arab nationality was a leading figure of the internationalist battle fighting at the forefront for defending the Rojava revolution.

The Internationalist Freedom Battalion Command remarked that Akdaş and other internationalist fighters alongside him created the most beautiful example of internationalist solidarity and fought shoulder to shoulder with YPG fighters as they stood by the oppressed Arab, Turkmen and Kurdish people and fought against ISIS gangs as militants of other nationalities.

The statement underlined that the Internationalist Freedom Battalion which owned the MLKP fighter Ivana Hoffman, BÖG (United Freedom Forces) Mahir Arpaçay and Australian fighter Ashley Johnston as their martyrs manifested its determination to defend the Rojava revolution in the person of Mazlum Akdaş.

The Battalion Command vowed that their fighters will be continuing to stage a determined march on this path.

[John Dolva]

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