39 years ago, the PKK's armed struggle began in Kurdistan. The offensive at that time under the command of Mahsum Korkmaz (Egîd) is the beginning of a resistance against oppression that has lasted for almost four decades.
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.
Kongra Star, the umbrella organization of women in North-East Syria, released a statement marking the 39th anniversary of the 15 August initiative.
The statement by Kongra Star said: “The 15 August breakthrough, which brought the Kurdish people out of darkness into light, carried our people from slavery to resistance and proved to the whole world that the Kurdish people exist and will remain on their historical land. Stating that ‘it is time to liberate Kurdistan’, Commander Egid lit the first spark of struggle in Eruh and Şemdinli and proved to the Turkish enemy the heroism of the Kurdish people. The history of Kurdistan witnessed many uprisings in which the Kurdish people have paid a heavy price. In the new life created with the emergence of Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the PKK, they attained the power to create and organize themselves for the first time in the lands of Kurdistan.”
The statement continued: “In spite of all the challenges, this struggle has continued relentlessly for the past 45 years under the leadership of Abdullah Öcalan. On this basis, we appeal to women, the youth and all the peoples with historic responsibilities. It is time to build a moral and political society to achieve freedom and victory in the same way the 15 August Breakthrough was realized. With the spirit and resistance of the 15 August Breakthrough, the Kurds and the peoples of the Middle East will build a fair, equal and free life under the leadership of women. Likewise, we reiterate our promise to continue to struggle fort he physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Öcalan and for the liberation of all occupied territories.”
