YJA Star guerrilla Toprak Dirok said that the people of Kurdistan, who paid a great price, deserved their freedom and added: "We will drive out the Turkish occupying forces from the lands of Kurdistan with all our hatred and anger with the strength we get from thousands of murdered Kurdish children."

YJA Star guerrillas spoke to ANF about the 15 August Initiative, which is a milestone for the people of Kurdistan and is also celebrated as the National Resurrection Day.

No one can stop this spirit

Stating that the first bullet fired in Botan was actually the biggest cry out of the resistance against fascism and the continuation of the prison resistance, Dr. Hêja Rênas said: “It has brought a new turning point tactically and strategically for the Kurdish people and the guerrillas. At that time, people had no hope anymore. This revolutionary initiative gave great courage to the people of Botan. This courage and self-confidence was not limited to Botan, but spread to the whole of Kurdistan.” Emphasizing that the first bullet fired by Commander Egîd was instrumental in waking thousands of Egîd and directing them to the mountains of freedom, Dr. Hêja Rênas continued: “The Egîds who defeated the enemy today are the successors and fighters of Commander Egîd. The resistance in Zap, Avaşîn and Metîna is the spirit of 15 August. As long as this spirit continues, no one, no technique can stop us. For this reason, we will continue to increase our victory in the spirit of 15 August.”

Born again

YJA Star guerrilla Roza Serhat said that the 15 August Initiative created great morale among the people and added that it was actually the Kurdish people's day of rebirth.

Noting that it was a breakthrough that wanted to be worthy of the tremendous resistance of those in prison, Roza Serhat continued: “This spirit is still alive. The reality of resistance and war in Medya Defense Areas is inspired by the prison resistance and the spirit of Egîd. As YJA Star fighters, we will fight until we plant the flag Heval Egîd handed over to us on the free mountains.”

Not just a military action

Saying that Commander Egîd's first bullet was fired at the same time for all oppressed and exploited peoples, YJA Star guerrilla Doğa Botan said: "There was a colonial mentality that wanted to destroy the Kurds and the oppressed people. Therefore, the 15 August action was not only a military action, but also an ideological action. This fire of freedom turned into an unquenchable torch when Mazlum Doğan delivered the fire of freedom he received from Kawa to Commander Egîd. This fire will not go out and will always burn the heart of fascism. The PKK continues to grow day by day. It is the spirit of freedom carried in the PKK, and it is Leader Apo who creates this spirit. As Leader Apo's militants and Commander Egîd's fighters, we will end this struggle with victory."

We will expel the invaders from Kurdistan

YJA Star guerrilla Toprak Dirok said that the 15 August Initiative was launched with the courage and strength taken from the prison resistance, and added: “We owe these people a debt and we gave thousands of martyrs to pay this debt. Whatever happens, we will win this war against fascism with all our might to liberate the people. Our people deserve full freedom. Our people have paid a great price. We will drive out the Turkish invading forces from the lands of Kurdistan with all our anger to avenge the thousands of murdered Kurdish children.”