The Afrin Liberation Forces released a statement announcing the death of two of their fighters in the Turkish-occupied Afrin city.

The HRE statement on Monday said: “The Kurdish people, the owners of these ancient lands, have always faced policies of attack, genocide and destruction since history and have been left alone. The above-ground and underground, cultural and geographical riches have become a place of occupation for the enemy. With the emergence of the genius and ideas of Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan), especially with the determinations and analyses he made, Leader Apo said ‘Kurdistan is a colony’ and started the freedom march. Our people, who were on the verge of extinction, found their existence in the thoughts and philosophy of Leader Apo. It rebuilt itself from the ashes, revived and developed. One of the cities of Kurdistan that took its place in the struggle and resistance for the unique victory of our freedom march is our city of Afrin.”

According to the statement, HRE fighter Xalid Mihemed was martyred in the Shera district of Afrin in a brutal attack of the occupation forces on 7 September. “Xalid Mihemed, who was born into a patriotic family, grew up attached to his culture. Based on his principles, he did unprecedented work for his people so that they could return to their lands.”

HRE fighter Kemal Pîr, on the other hand, was born in Rajo district into a patriotic family committed to Kurdish culture and identity. “With the beginning of the Rojava Freedom Revolution, our comrade grew up in the revolution while he was still young. Especially when al-Nusra, ISIS and various bloodthirsty groups attacked our people with the support of the occupying Turkish state, our comrade Kemal Pîr went to the frontlines of battle. Comrade Kemal showed that he could protect our people against the attacks of the enemy thanks to a strong struggle and a great will. He gained important war experience in this process. In the reality of our country, Comrade Kemal became a true fighter. He both deepened himself in the field of military training and gained knowledge in the field of military culture. He shared everything he learnt with those around him. Because of these intelligent and knowledgeable features, he gained great love among his friends. After the occupying Turkish state invaded Afrin in 2018, our comrade moved to the front lines with his companions and joined the war of freedom and honour against the occupying Turkish army and gangs. Comrade Kemal participated in the freedom march with big dreams and goals from the day he joined until the last moment. In the most difficult places and times, he did his duty with no concerns on the front lines. He always selflessly fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of the time for our people to return to their lands and to end the oppression and occupation on our lands. Comrade Kemal was martyred in the Afrin region on 7 September 2024 while on duty.”

HRE expressed their condolences to the families of the fallen fighters and to the patriotic people, reiterating their promise to their people and their martyrs that they would follow in the footsteps of their fallen companions and liberate the city of Afrin from occupation.