In the area of Avashin in the guerrilla-held Medya Defense Zones in Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq), at least thirteen Turkish soldiers have been killed in actions of the People's Defense Forces (HPG), reported the HPG Press Office on Saturday. According to the statement, the actions were carried out on November 4 and 6 on the occasion of the offensive "Dema Azadiyê Ye" (Time for freedom). Eylem Dilxwaz, a commander of the women's guerrilla YJA-Star, who was injured in the course of the clashes with the occupying forces, was martyred. HPG expresses their sympathy to her family.

Regarding the details of last Wednesday's action, which took place in Deriyê Girana near Govendê, the statement says: "Our forces advanced from two sides: one wing concentrated on two positions of the occupying forces, which were completely destroyed by effective strikes. The second wing successfully targeted surrounding shelters". According to the HPG, six soldiers were killed here. The same day, the Turkish Air Force transported the dead and injured soldiers out of the combat zone before the nearby village Hermuş was bombed by fighter jets.

Infiltration action in Govendê

The action carried out yesterday, Friday, also took place in the Govendê region, but was directed against a military road between Hill Xwedê and the Girana Gorge. "After a brief observation, the occupiers were effectively put under fire from close range. Following the action, clashes broke out between our forces and the occupying troops. We can safely confirm the death of seven occupiers here. Our comrade Eylem, who led the successful infiltration action, was injured in the fighting. Despite prompt evacuation from the combat zone and medical intervention, she could not be saved. Eylem Dilxwaz has joined the caravan of the martyrs.

The YJA Star Commander's full identity is:

Nom de Guerre: Eylem Dilxwaz

First and last name: Songül Mutlu

Place of birth: Mardin

Names of mother and father: Saliha - Sekvan

Date and place of martyrdom: 6 November 2020 / Govendê, Avaşîn

According to the HGP statement, Eylem Dilxwaz was born in the Nusaybin district in the province of Mardin. She grew up in an environment that was shaped by the matriarchal resistance culture of resilient women. Even as a child she was in love with the liberation movement, as an adult her patriotic heart led her to the free mountains of Kurdistan. Dilxwaz Kerboran, the brother of Eylem Dilxwaz, fell in 2015 in Cizre in the resistance in the struggle for self-government.

"In his person, comrade Eylem was united with the reality of the martyrs, which she dealt with even more deeply from then on. In the line of women's liberation developed by Rêber Apo [Leader Abdullah Öcalan], which she embodied, it was easy for Eylem Dilxwaz to develop from an experienced fighter to a competent commander of the YJA Star. She worked in various regions in the Medya Defense Zones as a pioneer of the guerrillas, and was known for her efforts to constantly educate herself and her comrades, and to promote their strengths and skills.

Eylem was considered a strong advocate of the women's liberation ideology, never compromising on the free women's line and militant Apoist standards. Her ideological knowledge and astuteness were admirable, and humility towards her friends was born from her heart. Eylem Dilxwaz was a courageous fighter who knew no fear, and an accomplished commander. She always led her revolutionary march with determination and self-confidence and was not afraid of the enemy. We pay tribute to her memory with respect, reverence and gratitude. We express our deepest sympathy to the relatives of comrade Eylem and the patriotic people of Kurdistan. We promise to strengthen our resistance with the spirit of our comrade.”