A German YPG fighter fell during the Operation Wrath of Khabur that SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces) launched against ISIS gangs in Shaddadi. YPG Media Center issued a written statement and announced that Gunter Helsten (Rüstem Cudi) was the German YPG fighter has lost his life.

'COMRADE RÜSTEM JOINED OUR RANKS FOR THE VALUES OF HUMANITY'

Below is the YPG statement:

"Different nations and religions live in Rojava, and occupiers try to dismantle this richness through their dirty plans. They try to create conflict between peoples, nations and faiths. ISIS gangs continue their savagery and lead the brutal attacks against out peoples.

ISIS gangs and their supporters will fail to reach their goal of turning Rojava into a warzone due to the light of truth embedded in the philosophy of humanity. Rojava Revolution will continue to protect the shared values of humanity as a revolution of humanity and freedom.

For these reasons, volunteers from different countries join our revolutionary ranks and Comrade Rüstem is one of such comrades. Comrade Rüstem served in the German and French armies for 30 years, and joined the ranks of revolution in Rojava in order to protect the values of humanity and leave behind a world of freedom to children. Comrade Rüstem first came to Kobanê where the foundations for a free life emerged, and continued to struggle with a soul of sacrifice.

'REVOLUTION IS THE COMPREHENSION OF LIFE'

As comrade Rüstem always said, ‘Revolution is not just taking up arms but also comprehending life.’ Comrade Rüstem struggled with this great consciousness and self-sacrifice. He participated in the operations in Kobanê, Hasekê, and Kezwan, and followed the path of Bagok, Kemal, Dilsoz, Gabar, Rojwan, Aryêl, İvana and our other martyrs. He joined the other martyrs during the Wrath of Khabur Operation in Sheddade.

As the YPG/YPJ, we offer our condolences to the family of our comrade Rüstem. We once again voice our determination to follow the path of our martyrs embodied by comrade Rüstem."

ID INFORMATION

Below is the ID information of the fallen fighter:

"Nom De Guerre: Rustem Cudî

First and last name: Gunter Helsten

Mother’s name: Melta

Father’s name: Johannes

Place and date of birth: Germany, 8 November 1969

Place and date of death: Shaddadi, 23 February 2016."