The General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) released a statement announcing the martyrdom of one of their fighters, Zeynep Tekoşîn (Viyan Xelîl) in an attack by Turkish troops and allied mercenaries in Manbij in 2024.
The YPJ obituary includes the following:
“Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) says: “The tree of revolution is watered with blood.” Every revolution is built on the leadership of the heroes of the people. Today, the Rojava Revolution has taken the form of a free woman recognized across the world. The Rojava Revolution embodies not only the presence of Kurds, Arabs, Armenians, and Druze, but also all peoples striving for freedom. For the capitalist system, the Women’s Revolution — the revolution of democratic modernity — represents a great threat. Those who understand Leader Apo’s paradigm come to these lands, where the philosophy of “Woman is life, life is freedom” becomes a living reality. Thanks to Leader Apo, women are reshaping themselves on this sacred land in pursuit of a free and philosophical life.
In order to impose their global system in the Middle East and Kurdistan, imperialist and occupying forces violate all the rights of oppressed peoples. Time and again, under different names but driven by the same hegemonic mentality, they carry out relentless attacks against revolutionary regions. In response to these assaults, our martyrs write epics of freedom each day through courageous resistance. In the most recent attack carried out in November 2024 by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and occupying militias, our regions witnessed heroic resistance. This pattern of occupation began in Afrin and Serekaniye, with the aim of seizing all of Rojava and northern and eastern Syria. Yet, our brave fighters and commanders chose the path of resistance in the face of every form of aggression and refused to surrender.
Our comrade Zeynep Tekoşîn chose the path of resistance in Manbij, despite all demands by the enemy to surrender, becoming a contemporary Beritan. With unwavering determination, she confronted a bloodthirsty enemy and, despite brutal and continuous attacks, fought until her last breath and fell as a martyr. We extend our deepest condolences to her patriotic family and to all members of our people committed to the cause of freedom. Were it not for symbols of resistance like Zeynep Beritan, we would not be able to continue our struggle or live on this sacred land with our free identity.
Our comrade’s family comes from Mardin. She was raised on the legacy of resistance and patriotic culture, and she embarked on her revolutionary path with devotion and heroism. The occupying states divided Kurdistan into four parts through genocidal policies and drew artificial borders between its cities. Despite these borders, she journeyed from Qamishlo to the arenas of revolution in 2022, breaking these false boundaries with her struggle. She discovered the true nature of the enemy through the Women’s Revolution. Through steadfast resistance, she became acquainted with pioneering women of the revolution and aspired to carry their dreams and ideals into her own struggle. Gradually, she immersed herself in the philosophy of the Leader, studied the essence of the free woman, and devoted herself to living by its principles wherever she was.
Day by day, she shaped her personality and life according to Leader Apo’s ideas. Through ideological and military training, she grew in courage and experience, becoming a leading figure among her comrades. Despite her young age, she participated in many revolutionary efforts with initiative and conviction. When the Turkish state and its militias launched their attack on Manbij, they faced firm resistance from our commanders and freedom fighters. In this fierce battle, Zeynep, despite sustaining serious injuries, continued fighting alongside her comrade Nesrin Jiya until the last bullet. We owe such devoted individuals our ability today, as women, to continue the struggle for freedom without hesitation.
As comrades on this path, we renew our commitment to our martyrs. We affirm that they are eternal, and that their struggle will continue. We will never abandon the fight for freedom until we realize their dreams and aspirations. With the utmost sincerity, we renew our pledge to our martyrs and affirm that their memory will remain immortal through our struggle.”
Source: ANF News
