The HPG (People’s Defense Forces) has announced the names of three fallen guerrillas: Toprak Canfeda, Sorxwîn Baran, and Laşer Lîs, who lost their lives in December 2022 during a Turkish army attack in the Gare region of South Kurdistan.

The HPG Press Office wrote in a statement that the guerrillas were "selfless individuals who embodied the militancy of the PKK and PAJK." The guerrilla organization extended its condolences to the families of the fallen and the Kurdish population.

The HPG provided the following information about the martyrs:

 Codename: Toprak Canfeda
 Full Name: Emine Sezgin
 Place of Birth: Mersin
 Parents' Names: Asiye – Salih
 Date and Place of Death: December 26, 2022 / Gare

 

 

 Codename: Sorxwîn Baran
 Full Name: Nur Xelef
 Place of Birth: Dirbesiyê
 Parents' Names: Fevziye – Ibrahim
 Date and Place of Death: December 26, 2022 / Gare

 

 

 Codename: Laşer Lîs
 Full Name: Zeynel Bayram
 Place of Birth: Amed (Diyarbakır)
 Parents' Names: Nefise – Neytullah
 Date and Place of Death: December 26, 2022 / Gare

 

 

Toprak Canfeda

Toprak Canfeda was born in the southern Turkish province of Mersin, and her family were originally from Şirnex (Turkish: Şırnak). Raised in a Kurdish cultural environment, she encountered state repression early in life and also came into contact with the Kurdish liberation movement. The early death of her father—who died after severe torture in a Turkish prison—and her older sister's decision to join the guerrillas left a lasting impact on her political consciousness.

In 2013, Toprak joined the guerrilla in the Botan region. She received her military and ideological training in the Medya Defense Zones. Her political focus was on the ideology of women's liberation and the philosophy of Abdullah Öcalan. "She was regarded as a highly motivated fighter who especially identified with the line of the free woman. In the guerrilla, Toprak experienced what she described as collective solidarity and equality. Her comrades remember her as a brave, selfless, and warm-hearted individual with a strong sense of responsibility," the obituary noted.

Sorxwîn Baran

Sorxwîn Baran was born in Dirbesiyê in northeastern Syria to an Arab family. She encountered the Kurdish movement during the Rojava Revolution. "She was especially impressed by the role of women in the guerrilla," the HPG noted. The resistance of women against the terrorist group "Islamic State" (IS), particularly in Kobanê and Şengal, deeply inspired her, as did the leading role Kurdish women played in society.

During the battle of Kobanê, Sorxwîn joined the Rojava defense forces and took part in the resistance against IS. In 2015, she moved to the mountains to join the guerrillas. "Her companions describe her as a creative, warm-hearted woman with a deep determination to overcome social oppression. She was especially engaged in cultural and artistic projects within the guerrillas and aimed to create new social realities through education and collective organization."

Laşer Lîs

Laşer Lîs grew up in a traditional family in the northern Kurdish province of Amed (Diyarbakır). Influenced by the city’s atmosphere and his family's activism, he became involved in political work at an early age. As a young man, he worked in the Kurdish media, drew inspiration from figures like Musa Anter, and viewed journalism as a form of resistance. "Comrade Laşer saw himself as part of Apê Musa’s legacy," stated the HPG.

Repeated arrests and mistreatment did not intimidate him but instead strengthened his resolve to join the guerrillas. The destruction of Kurdish cities during Turkish military sieges following the 2015 self-governance resistance (also known as the urban warfare period) ultimately led to his decision to join the armed movement.

After training in the Medya Defense Areas, Laşer specialized in various tactical areas. "In the mountains, he was respected for his calm, thoughtful demeanor and deep commitment to the PKK’s principles," said the HPG. "He strove to practically apply Abdullah Öcalan’s philosophy and was considered a highly motivated fighter with a strong sense of teamwork."