On 17 September 2023, a vehicle belonging to the Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) was targeted by a Turkish drone in the Serdeşt region of Shengal (Sinjar) in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). The attack killed YBŞ commanders Dindar Avesta, Çiya Feqir and Piran Pir.

In a statement on the first anniversary of the death of three commanders, YBŞ Command said:

“As the Yazidi people, we are going through an important historic process. Our enemies, especially the occupying Turkish state, together with the collaborators and betrayers, resort to every means to destroy our gains, break our will and leave us without a leader. Efforts are being made to avenge ISIS, especially through targeted attacks on our pioneers who inflicted heavy blows on ISIS. The ruling KDP's intelligence service, ‘Parastin’, plays a decisive role in this process. In addition, unfortunately, some people who claim to be Yazidis are involved in these plans and bargain over Yazidi commanders for a few pennies. This dishonour has caused the Yazidi people to lose many valuable leaders. Our comrades Dindar, Çiya and Piran were martyred in such a treacherous attack on 17 September 2023.”

Pointing out that Dindar Avesta, was one of the first young people to join the Shengal Resistance and one of the founders of their forces, YBŞ continued: “From the day he joined the struggle, he became a pioneer, commander and a great revolutionary in every field he fought in. He was also one of those who defended Shengal against ISIS. He played an active role in the liberation of many regions in Rojava and Shengal. In order to better understand Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan), he attended the academy trainings in Shengal in the winter of 2015. With his humble commanding method, he gained a great place in the training and hearts of his comrades. Dindar, who utilised every opportunity with his love of reading, became one of the pioneers of society by combining theory and practice.”

The statement underlined that Çiya Feqir played an important role in the fight against ISIS and said: “He was at the forefront in all challenges. He never hesitated in his duties and responsibilities. He recreated all the characteristics of Apoist militancy in his personality. He set an example to all his comrades with his modesty, courage, sacrifice and comradeship. He lived all moments of life to the fullest and meaningful. He had unlimited efforts to increase our strength. He was in constant search to protect our cause and our gains.”

Regarding Piran Pir, the statement said: “Comrade Piran embarked on a search for freedom at a young age and took part in the Shengal Resistance following the attack of ISIS gangs. Aware of the enemy's special war against Shengal and the Yazidis, he frustrated these attempts through his organisation, self-knowledge and education. With his enthusiastic participation, he was always loved among his comrades. Despite his young age, he deeply grasped the thoughts of Leader Apo and succeeded in all the work he carried out based on Apoist militancy.”

The statement concluded: “We once again warn everyone who is aware of their crimes. Everyone should know that betrayal and espionage always end up in regret. As the society and the power defending it, we will never forgive those who have the blood of our children on their hands, and we will definitely bring them to account. Once again, we reiterate the promise we made in the person of our comrades; we will continue the struggle on the path shown to us by the Dindars, Çiyas and Pirans with the Apoist spirit, protect the gains achieved with their blood and crown the legacy of our heroes with a free and autonomous Shengal.”