The General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) announced the deaths of five of their fighters, Nergiz Dilda Welat, Cûdî Tolhildan, Axîn Koçer, Sema Hesekê, and Tolhildan Serêkaniyê while fighting in Manbij on December 9, 2024.

The YPJ statement paying tribute to the fallen fighters reads as follows:

“Our comrades Nargiz Dilda Walat, Tolhildan Serekaniye, Judi Tolhildan, Akhin Kojer, and Sama Hasakah have become the heroines of our time through their heroic resistance. When Turkish forces and their mercenaries launched their attack on Manbij, these brave leaders and fighters advanced with unyielding determination to defend the city. Despite the ferocity of the occupation’s assault, our comrades, through various heroic operations, transformed themselves into a mighty barricade—like the Tishrin Dam—against the brutal enemy. At that critical time, when the bloodthirsty invaders besieged our comrades, they chose resistance and immortal life, following in the footsteps of the martyrs Arin, Avesta, and Barin. Driven by the spirit of vengeance, they refused to surrender or fall into captivity. Our five comrades fought the enemy until their last breath without hesitation. Comrade Tolhildan Serekaniye was martyred in direct combat, while the remaining four comrades, when their ammunition was depleted, detonated their last grenades upon the enemy, choosing martyrdom.

Our comrade Nargiz Dilda Walat was born in Kobani and joined the ranks of the freedom struggle in 2015 with the spirit of great victory. In a short time, she adapted seamlessly to the revolutionary life. Driven by strong will and deep love, she specialized in heavy weapons and sniping and embraced ideological training as a foundation to gain a profound understanding of women’s identity and the free life. She quickly mastered all aspects of revolutionary work, assuming responsibilities across the Jazira and Euphrates regions. Always present at the frontlines, she performed her defensive duties as a fighter and a leader of modern warfare tactics with unwavering resolve.

Comrade Tolhildan Serekaniye was born in the city of Serekaniye into a family with deep patriotic roots. She rebelled against the traditions of oppression and fascism, particularly after witnessing the occupation of her homeland. She took the nom de guerre “Tolhildan” and joined the revolution in 2020. Known for her passionate patriotic spirit, she devoted herself to the cause of women’s liberation and accumulated valuable experience in organizational work. She had deep insight into the true face of the enemy, having witnessed the massacres committed against her people. Socially, she was recognized for her strong bonds with her comrades and earned immense respect among them. She made significant contributions as both a fighter and a military commander. After years of struggle, she advanced to a leadership role in the Military Council of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), faithfully fulfilling her duties until her martyrdom.

Our comrade Judi Tolhildan hailed from our Arab community. Born in Raqqa, she joined the Women’s Protection Units in 2022. Having witnessed firsthand the darkness imposed by ISIS, especially against women and society, she entered the struggle with firm resolve and a desire to embrace the meaning of a free life. Even before formally joining the YPJ, she was actively involved in revolutionary activities. She was known for her awareness and knowledge in both military and ideological fields, developing a deep understanding of women’s identity and existence. Through her leadership and strong camaraderie, she became well respected among her peers.

Comrade Akhin Kojer was born in Serekaniye and raised in a proud, patriotic family. Two of her brothers also joined the freedom struggle and attained martyrdom. Inspired by her family’s sacrifices, the martyrdom of her brothers, and her dream of a free homeland, Akhin joined the Women’s Protection Units. Even before her formal enlistment, she was active in revolutionary activities from the early days of the uprising. She lived by the principles of freedom and was cherished and respected by her people and comrades for her revolutionary character, talent, and skill in practical life. She carried out all her duties to the highest standards, both in battle and daily life, and served as a modern leader until her final moment.

Our comrade Sama Hasakah was born in the city of Hasakah. In 2023, driven by the aim of defending the Rojava Revolution, she joined the ranks of the Women’s Protection Units. Known for her vibrant and energetic personality, she was steadfast in her military and ideological duties within the commando battalions. She embraced this honorable path, driven by her deep love for her homeland. With her self-discipline and authentic revolutionary spirit, she became a shining beacon of free life through her passion, perseverance, and determination.

The path illuminated by these five martyred comrades will forever remain our guiding goal as we intensify the struggle. Through their ultimate sacrifice, they have become the guarantee of this great people’s revolution. Despite the continuing occupation attacks, they stood firm and fought with unwavering resolve. We pledge to carry forward their struggle tirelessly until we realize the dreams of our martyrs.

We extend our deepest condolences to our freedom-loving people, who continue to defend the gains of the revolution and the dignity of the homeland, and especially to the families of our esteemed comrades Nargiz Dilda Walat, Tolhildan Serekaniye, Judi Tolhildan, Akhin Kojer, and Sama Hasakah. As the Women’s Protection Units, we reaffirm our commitment to following in the footsteps of our martyrs until the aspirations of our fighters are fulfilled and our homeland achieves its freedom."

The identity information of the fallen fighters is as follows:

Nergiz Dilda Welat

First-Last Name: Edla Ehmed Nom de Guerre: Nergiz Dilda Welat Mother's Name: Emine Father's Name: Mihemed Date and Place of Martyrdom: 9. December 2024 / Manbij

 

Tolhildan Serêkaniyê

First-Last Name: Sozdar Mihemed Ebdullah Nom de Guerre: Tolhildan Serêkaniyê Mother's Name: Gulê Father's Name: Mihemed Date and Place of Martyrdom: 9. December 2024 / Manbij

 

Cûdî Tolhildan

First-Last Name: Kafa Mohammed Jasim Nom de Guerre: Cûdî Tolhildan Mother's Name: Zahra Father's Name: Mohammed Date and Place of Martyrdom: 9. December 2024 / Manbij

 

Axîn Koçer

First-Last Name: Rozîv Cuma Mihemed Lo Nom de Guerre: Axîn Koçer Mother's Name: Emşe Father's Name: Cuma Date and Place of Martyrdom: 9. December 2024 / Manbij

 

Sema Hesekê

First-Last Name: Rama Xelîl Xelil Nom de Guerre: Sema Hesekê Mother's Name: Rojîn Father's Name: Xelîl Date and Place of Martyrdom: 9. December 2024 / Manbij