When we remember Rojava’s resistance history, symbols and commanders, one of the first things coming to mind is commander Faisal Abu Layla, who had struggled to see his region freed until he fell a martyr on June 5, 2016.

One of his main goals was the liberation of Manbij

An Executive Member of the Martyr Faisal Abu Layla Academy affiliated with the Manbij Military Council, Mihemed Eziz, spoke to ANHA about Martyr Abu Layla's sacrifices and struggle and said that Commander Abu Layla was one of the symbols of the resistance and sacrifice in the revolution.

Noting that one of Martyr Abu Layla's main goals was the liberation of Manbij from ISIS, Eziz continued: “He spent his childhood and youth in Manbij. He sacrificed himself to realize the brotherhood of peoples, common life, peace and harmony in the whole region. Abu Layla became one of the symbols and commanders of the Rojava Revolution with his struggle.”

A commander on the battle fronts

Ezîz said: “He participated in battles against ISIS and forces affiliated with the Damascus government. He took part in the battles in Ashrafiyah, Sheikh Maqsoud and Old Aleppo and other parts of Syria. He was also one of the commanders of the Kobanê resistance. He showed great heroism in the battles in which he took part.”

Speaking about the military campaign to liberate Manbij, Ezîz stated “When the military campaign to liberate Manbij began, Martyr Faisal Abu Layla and his companions were at the forefront of the battle. He would always ask his friends to follow him, not to march up front. Abu Layla remained firm until he reached the outskirts of Abu Qelqel. When some of his companions were surrounded by ISIS, he immediately rushed to help and rescued them. He was injured by a mortar and died two days later.”

Martyr Faisal Abu Layla Academy

In order to keep his struggle and memory alive, the ‘Martyr Faisal Abu Leyla Academy’ was opened after the liberation of Manbij in 2016. Thousands of Manbij Military Council fighters received military training there.

Ezîz stated: “As a result of our commitment to Commander Abu Layla, we named an academy after him to train new fighters in the region and embrace his legacy of struggle.”

Fighters receive training on political, intellectual and military issues at the Martyr Faisal Abu Layla Academy. Courses on the economy, democracy, resistance, struggle and special war are also offered.

Ezîz concluded his speech: “Martyr Faisal Abu Layla was known for his years-long struggle. He gave meaning to the resistance and grandeur to the success. After his martyrdom, thousands of young men and women impressed by him joined the Manbij Military Council. His resistance continues at the academy.”