To Our People and Public Opinion
Women fighters who have proven their presence in the struggle for freedom have embodied the highest values of the free woman in their very being. Through this deep-rooted historical legacy and unwavering belief, thousands of women have joined the ranks of freedom.
In Rojava, young women actively took part in the ranks of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), fighting against ISIS, resisting oppression, and becoming defenders of humanity.
Our comrades Toprak Deniz, Hêzel Tolhildan, and Cûdî Rojhelat, through their determined stance and unwavering will, never compromised the principles of justice in their journey toward freedom. They played a strategic role in building a democratic nation, placing the protection of women and peoples at the forefront of their mission.
We extend our sincere condolences to the founder of the philosophy of free life, Leader Abdullah Öcalan, to the families of our beloved comrades, and to all our people. We renew our pledge to carry forward the banner of the martyrs’ struggle in every moment of our lives.
Our comrade Aziza Akinci, known as Toprak Deniz, was born in 1991 in the historic land of Tilû, in Siirt, into a patriotic family. She grew up amid the uprisings of Botan and came to understand the reality of the Kurdish people at an early age—a people denied recognition of their identity, language, and culture. Influenced by the thought and philosophy of Leader Abdullah Öcalan, she later joined the revolutionary youth movement.
She organized activities and initiatives among various segments of society and became a leading figure within the political and ethical community. With her humility, dedication, and broad knowledge, she earned the respect of those around her. She studied political science and geophysics at Istanbul University and was known among her peers for her talents. Upon witnessing the brutality of ISIS and engaging deeply with Öcalan’s ideas, she joined the ranks of the YPJ in Rojava in 2014.
Amid the harsh realities of war, she refined her character through both ideological and military training, rising to the level of a revolutionary leader. She assumed leadership roles across multiple fields and became a model of leadership in her time. For her, freedom was not merely a goal but a way of life. She stood firmly against the darkness of occupation, fighting with determination and dignity. On January 18, 2026, during an attempted withdrawal from Raqqa, she and her comrades were ambushed by mercenary forces. She fought until her last breath, guided by the belief that “resistance is life,” and joined the ranks of the immortal.
Our comrade Farjin Manal, known as Hêzel Tolhildan, was born in Aleppo, a stronghold of resistance. From a young age, she realized that freedom is not granted but earned through struggle. Within the ranks of the YPJ, she rebuilt herself through the philosophy of the free woman and the ideology of women’s liberation.
In historic battles such as Deir ez-Zor and Tishrin Dam, she emerged as a symbol of determination against the darkness of reactionary forces. On January 19, 2026, in Deir ez-Zor, she resisted courageously until her last breath during an attack by occupying mercenaries, joining the ranks of the immortal.
Our comrade Juliana Sido, known as Cûdî Rojhelat, was born in Aleppo, a land of resistance. From an early age, she witnessed attempts to extinguish the light of her homeland and chose to join the ranks of freedom. On December 18, 2025, she was ambushed by mercenary forces and fought with courage and wisdom until her final breath, joining the immortal.
As their comrades and supporters of justice, we reaffirm that we will not cease our struggle for a single moment until the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Öcalan is secured and lasting victory is achieved on this sacred land.
General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)
27 March 2026
Full Name: Aziza Akinci
Nom de guerre: Toprak Deniz
Mother’s Name: Suhaila
Father’s Name: Issa
Date and Place of Martyrdom: Raqqa – January 18, 2026
Full Name: Farjin Manal
Nom de guerre: Hêzel Tolhildan
Mother’s Name: Noura
Father’s Name: Ali
Date and Place of Martyrdom: Deir ez-Zor – January 19, 2026
Full Name: Juliana Sido
Nom de guerre: Cûdî Rojhelat
Mother’s Name: Roshin
Father’s Name: Delbarin
Date and Place of Martyrdom: Raqqa – January 18, 2026
