On 15 August 1984, the PKK fired “the first shot” in Eruh (Dih) in North Kurdistan. A 36-strong guerrilla force led by the legendary commander Mahsum Korkmaz - also known by his nom de Guerre Egîd ("the Brave") - carried out the first attack against the Turkish occupying forces that day. A military police barracks was selected for the action, which is considered the beginning of the armed struggle of the Kurdish liberation movement. One guard and one officer were killed, and the guerrillas did not suffer any casualties.

The General Command of Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) released a statement marking the 39th anniversary of the 15 August initiative, which it defined as a milestone for the Kurdish people.

“15 August became a hope of freedom for all the peoples in the region, and the basis of a new life and organization against the enemy. On this basis, we congratulate all our people, the oppressed peoples and the peoples in the region on the Day of Resurrection and we remember our martyrs with respect,” said the YBŞ statement on Monday.

YBŞ said that 15 August was also a day of massacres and martyrs, noting that ISIS committed mass killings in Til Izêr and Siba Şêx Xidir on 14 August and in Kocho on 15 August, 2014.

YBŞ also noted that, on 15 August, 2018, İsmail Özden (Mam Zeki Şengali) fell martyr in a targeted operation conducted by the Turkish state and its local collaborators on 15 August 2018. On 16 August 2021, the Turkish state targeted the vehicle of YBŞ Commander Seîd Hesen in the old bazaar in Shengal downtown at noon. Seîd Hesen Seîd and his nephew Îsa Xweda, who was a YBŞ fighter, were killed, and three other people were injured.

“Like our commanders and pioneers Mam Zeki and Seid Hesen, we will never take a step back. We will increase the struggle until we realize their dream of a free Shengal. Our struggle and resistance in the spirit of 15 August will defeat the enemy. The spirit of 15 August is the spirit of victory. Our people should be proud of our martyrs and enhance the struggle in their memory. Our people should return to Shengal, organize and call the enemy to account. On the occasion of this holy day, we call on our people to increase their struggle alongside the YBŞ. We remember all the martyrs in the person of Mam Zeki and Seid Hesen, and reiterate our promise to enhance the struggle in the spirit of 15 August,” said the YBŞ statement.