The armed struggle that began on August 15, 1984, under the leadership of Commander Egîd, is celebrated with great enthusiasm everywhere as the anniversary of the Kurdish people’s resurrection. The 41st anniversary of the guerrilla offensive is commemorated with various events in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
Two Arab guerrilla fighters operating in the mountains of Kurdistan, Qeyîs Ereb and Kendal Eyn Îsa, shared their feelings and thoughts with ANF.
Qeyîs Ereb: “The first bullet was fired on August 15. This initial action was carried out against the Turkish state under the leadership of Comrade Egîd. The struggle began under his command. Comrade Egîd’s action was not limited to firing the first shot; it also led to the establishment of our army, the ARGK. The struggle he initiated spread throughout Kurdistan.
The process initiated by Comrade Egîd was the formation of guerrilla forces in the mountains of Kurdistan. These actions can also be linked to the struggle of our comrades that began in the prisons of Amed (tr: Diyarbakır) on July 14.
As an Arab revolutionary, I was deeply inspired by the struggle of Comrade Egîd. Especially when we came to know his character as a commander and leader and understood his life, he left an even greater impact on us. His militancy, courage, stance against the enemy, and his fight and inspiring lifestyle deeply moved us.
His struggle is an example of how we can develop our personalities. We celebrate and commemorate August 15, 2025 with the voice of Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan]. In this spirit, we will continue our struggle under the leadership of thousands of martyrs, follow in their footsteps, and resist.”
Kendal Eyn Îsa: “When I hear August 15, the first thing that comes to mind is the unique personality of comrade Egîd. He has gone down in history as both a companion and a revolutionary, as the person who fired the first shot with courage. That shot was not just the sound of a gun; the step taken by comrade Egîd ignited a great struggle in Kurdistan.
Egîd’s militant stance and self-sacrifice were so great that no words can do him justice. Comrade Egîd’s place within our party, his dedication, and his determination are of paramount importance. As the pioneer of this great initiative, he shone as a commander with his brave heart and exceptional competence. It is impossible to describe him in just a few words, because he was the one who ignited the first spark of such a magnificent struggle.
The struggle he started has enabled us to take stronger steps today. Moreover, Comrade Egîd’s legacy has inspired not only the Kurdish people but also other peoples to be influenced by the freedom movement and to get to know our party. As an Arab revolutionary, I have been deeply influenced by Comrade Egîd’s personality and fighting spirit.
Following in his footsteps, we will remain faithful to his militant stance and continue to the end. We joined the struggle inspired by the leadership of the martyr Egîd. This year, we are celebrating August 15 in honor of Leader Apo. With the message he gave us, we will glorify the meaning of August 15 and safeguard this valuable legacy to the end.
August 15 is a sacred day for all of us, which is why we will continue our resistance and intensify our struggle. We will never stop our struggle until we see Leader Apo physically among us.
We will keep the memory and spirit of Comrade Egîd alive. In this regard, our resistance will grow stronger every day, and we will not rest until Leader Apo is physically free.”
Source: ANF News
