Throughout history, the Kurdish people’s resistance—shaped by unwavering dedication and the heroism of women—has always been a struggle for a free life worthy of its people. The Women’s Revolution in Rojava stands as a living embodiment of this noble spirit. Our comrades Denîz Întîqam and Gerîla Çiya have become enduring symbols of the resistance of revolutionary Kurdish women through their tireless commitment and extraordinary courage in the pages of the Rojava Revolution. They joined the historic resistance of Afrin, sacrificing their lives to confront the invaders. They fought bravely until their last breath in defense of social and human values, and ultimately joined the caravan of the immortals. We extend our sincere condolences to Leader Apo, to the families of our comrades Denîz and Gerîla, and to our patriotic people.
Jamila Saad, known by her nom de guerre Denîz Întîqam, was born in the city of Afrin and grew up immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Afrin’s women. Raised in a patriotic family, she developed from an early age a deep determination to protect her culture and homeland. As she matured, her love for truth and patriotism became inseparable from her character. In 2012, she adopted the name Denîz Întîqam and began her journey in the struggle for the freedom and stability of her country. Following the outbreak of the Rojava Revolution, she enthusiastically joined the founding ranks of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Through her humility and active participation, she quickly earned the admiration of her comrades.
Determined to elevate both her ideological and military struggle, and to unite her character with the philosophy of “Woman, Life, Freedom,” she attended ideological and military academies. She organized her life according to the principles of the ideology of free life and legitimate self-defense. Standing proudly in the ranks of the struggle as both a fighter and commander, Denîz devoted herself with great determination and sacrifice to honoring the memory of hundreds of her fallen comrades. From Afrin to Kobani and Jazira, she confronted attacks against her homeland, fought courageously, and was wounded in battle. Ultimately, she played a heroic role in the legendary resistance of Afrin, becoming a model of the Kurdish woman fighter. She stood against the brutal attacks aimed at annihilating our people and defended her homeland with unmatched courage. Through her noble spirit, bravery, and unwavering determination, she became a symbol of the heroism of Mesopotamia in its historic resistance against the invaders. She attained martyrdom in Rajo, Afrin, on 7 July 2018, joining the caravan of the immortals.
Roşen Eswed, known by her nom de guerre Gerîla Çiya, was born in Afrin and grew up in a patriotic family. From an early age, she understood the reality of the enemy while also being inspired by the stories of heroism of her people. The sacred spirit of Mesopotamia profoundly shaped her thoughts, actions, and life. At a young age, she assumed the responsibility of the revolution, and in 2016 she joined the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) under the name Gerîla Çiya.
Through her steadfastness, Gerîla proved that ambitious ideals give life its true meaning. For her, life was never merely the passage from birth to death; its greatness was measured by the burdens one carried, and its vitality by the struggle one embraced. This understanding became increasingly evident through her participation, her positions, and every step she took during the revolution. She regarded the freedom of the homeland and the unity of peoples as the foundation of a free life, and the highest meaning of life was reflected in her smile. Through her determination and commitment, she demonstrated to women everywhere that when courage and willpower unite within a young woman, no ideology of oppression and no obstacle can stand in her way.
With unwavering conviction and great humility, Gerîla joined the ranks of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Guided by the principles of individual freedom and the freedom of the land and homeland, she struggled proudly and courageously for her people. On 8 March 2018, during the legendary resistance of Afrin, she engraved her name in golden letters in the history of the Rojava Revolution before joining the caravan of the immortals.
On this foundation, we, the guardians of this sacred legacy, declare that our greatest revenge is the establishment of a free life. Thousands of martyrs, foremost among them our comrades Denîz and Gerîla, sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the homeland. We pledge to crown the struggle of our immortal comrades with victory. We remember all the martyrs of the Revolution for the Freedom of Peoples with profound gratitude and respect, and we reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling their dreams and aspirations for a Free Leadership and a Free Kurdistan.
General Command of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ)
16 July 2026
Nom de Guerre: Deniz Intiqam
Real Name: Jamila Saad
Place and Date of Birth: Afrin, 1 January 1998
Mother’s Name: Nurhan
Father’s Name: Mustafa
Date of Martyrdom: 7 July 2018
Nom de Guerre: Krîla Jiya
Real Name: Roşen Eswed
Place and Date of Birth: Afrin, 5 January 2001
Mother’s Name: Emîne
Father’s Name: Rehm
Date of Martyrdom: 8 March 2018
