Thousands attend funeral of YPJ commanders Jiyan Tolhildan, Roj Xabûr and Barîn Botan

YPJ commanders Jiyan Tolhildan, Roj Xabûr and Barîn Botan, who were killed in a Turkish drone attack, were bid farewell in Hesekê by thousands with military honours.

Thousands of people gathered in Hesekê on Sunday for the emotional funeral of YPJ commanders Jiyan Tolhildan, Roj Xabûr and Barîn Botan.

The women who were commanders of the anti-terrorist unit YAT were killed a few days ago in a targeted drone attack by the Turkish state in Northern and Eastern Syria. On Sunday evening, a ceremony was held in the presence of their comrades, families and members of military and political structures at the Şehîd Dijwar Cemetery in the village of Dawudiyê. After the ceremony, the women were sent to their native towns.

The funeral service for Jiyan Tolhildan, Roj Xabûr and Barîn Botan began with a minute's silence followed by the slogan "Şehîd namirin" (Martyrs are immortal). PYD chairwoman Asya Abdullah praised the three commanders as "pioneers of freedom" and described it as a partisan duty to offer resistance to defend the revolution. "We will fight for the YPJ, all defense forces and our patriotic families."

Abdullah accused the international community of complicity in the deadly drone attack on the three women and said: "For every crime committed by the Turkish occupiers against our people, the global public bears equal responsibility. Because it persists in its silence against injustice in our regions."