Sedat Özen (Rustem Hemdem) was born into a patriotic family in the village of Karse (Xarsê), located in the Til (Tîlê) district of Mus (Mûş) province. Like every Kurdish child, he encountered the reality of the enemy and the fascist structure of state power from an early age. As he came face to face with social realities, he began to oppose injustice and embarked on a path in search of a free life. During his university years, he was introduced to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) thanks to several comrades. This meeting marked a new beginning in his life. The reality of President Öcalan and the freedom struggle hat a profound impact on his personality. As a young Kurdish man, he began to take an active role in organizational work. In December 2007, he was detained during an action carried out as part of the “Enough is Enough” campaign (Êdî Bese) and imprisoned. While in prison, in 2010, he made the decision to join the guerrilla ranks and took action toward that goal.

His greatest dream became to reach the mountains and take his place in the guerrilla ranks. Each day, his love for the homeland and longing for freedom grew stronger. Despite the harsh conditions of prison and the psychological pressure inflicted on prisoners, he resisted the enemy’s oppression with extraordinary courage and sacrifice, becoming a voice of freedom. He walked in the footsteps of Mazlum and Kemal. Without ever submitting to the enemy, he spent nine years in prison. When he was released in 2018, he turned toward the path of guerrilla life and reached the mountains of Kurdistan. His struggle began in the Garê region, where he gained experience through intense practice. After receiving intermediate-level weapons training, he joined the armed struggle. Upon the party’s request, he went on to the Martyr Haki Karer Academy and later moved to the Media Defense Zones. As a commander there, he led his comrades both in daily life and in action, playing a pioneering and active role.

On 20 June 2024, guerrilla Rustem Hemdem fell in battle alongside his comrade Yekbûn Şoreş during a confrontation with enemy forces in the Metîna region. Throughout his guerrilla life, Rustem created great value and became a source of inspiration to his comrades through his dedication and struggle. In the pages of the journal he kept, he left behind a legacy of resistance that must never be forgotten, one that should always be remembered and kept alive.

We existed yesterday, we exist today, and we will exist tomorrow

In one section of his journal, martyr Rustem Hemdem recounts the preparations leading up to the action: “Summer was nearing its end. It was the time of the Resurrection Day. The anniversary of the offensive launched on 15 August 1984, which later turned into a people’s revolution, was approaching. The enemy wanted to eliminate us during these significant days and erase the spirit of 15 August. But the resistance spirit of the Resurrection Day had already left a deep mark on our people and built a new consciousness. Once again, the spirit of courage and resistance came to life in Kurdistan. Today, that spirit lives on at its highest level. As long as this spirit exists in Kurdistan, it cannot be destroyed. The enemy must know: destroying us will remain nothing more than a dream. We existed yesterday, we exist today, and we will exist tomorrow. Every year, guerrilla fighters carry out numerous actions with the spirit of comrade Egîd to celebrate the Resurrection Day. This only strengthens our enthusiasm for victory and our determination.

There was a call to move into the field to counter enemy attacks and block their advances. In line with this call, we were always preparing ourselves to improve our tactics and operational styles. Once our request was approved, movement began in the camp early in the morning. We split into squads and spread out across the terrain. Compared to the others, I lacked experience. All the comrades in our squad were seasoned fighters. They knew well how to counter the enemy’s advanced attacks and technologies, and they took precautions accordingly. I was trying to learn and develop myself in guerrilla tactics. Going out into the field was a very meaningful experience for me. The summer heat had faded, and the evening cool had begun. Our destination was not far, but only comrade Diren knew the route. Both sides of the path were steep and lined with hills. We were surrounded and protected by magnificent nature, and we became one with it.

Our guide, comrade Diren, was walking very fast, and we struggled to keep up with her. We had to call out to her constantly to stay close. Sometimes I or comrade Dersim would fall. Because I had spent many years in prison, I lacked mountain experience, and naturally, this caused some difficulty. The female comrades repeatedly offered to carry my weapon, but a feudal sense of shame held me back, and I insisted, ‘No, I must carry it myself.’ We reached our destination late at night. The journey had deeply affected me. It was my first time facing such a march. No matter how difficult it was, I did not give up and kept going. Without a doubt, this experience teaches a person many things. The enthusiasm and determination of the comrades gave me strength despite all challenges. That moment became one of the first memories of my practical guerrilla life.

I knew we would succeed

Usually, an operation is carried out first, and only afterward are notes taken or outcomes shared. But I want to reverse this tradition. With this writing, I want to record what we experienced before the action even took place.

It was the last days of August. A group of comrades and I set out. After a walk of about two hours, we reached the area designated for the operation. We had left behind a few backpacks and some equipment. To keep the fatigue of the walk from affecting us too much, we moved toward the reconnaissance point with enthusiasm and a sense of enjoyment. Slowly, the sun was setting, and darkness began to fall over the land. We stopped at a relatively safe spot, though it was not suitable for an overnight stay. Due to the risk of enemy presence, we waited in a half-awake state until morning. This was more than an ordinary march. The pain in our backs and feet did not bother us. All our focus was on completing the reconnaissance and preparing for the action.

When the sun began to rise the next day, we got up and moved toward the observation point. We shared ideas on how to make the reconnaissance more efficient. There were four of us, two male and two female comrades. After the reconnaissance, we returned to a safer area. It was a more protected and suitable place to spend the night. We prepared our position and analyzed the enemy’s activity. Each comrade contributed thoughts and suggestions about the enemy’s movement patterns and tactical behavior.

In that moment, I felt stronger. Acting with collective intelligence gave me strength. Situations like these bring clarity to a person’s inner world. On the one hand, I was focused on observing the enemy, and on the other, I was thinking about how I would participate if an operation were to occur. I had many questions running through my mind. But in my heart, there wasn’t even a trace of hesitation. I trusted myself and my comrades. I knew we would succeed.

This kind of comradeship and way of life helps a person better understand their own existence. Because you are not alone out there; with you are the brave fighters of future generations. If you want to lead them, you must live without hesitation. You must believe in yourself, in your comrades, and in victory. This awareness had a powerful effect on me, and it made me say to myself, ‘We will complete this reconnaissance mission successfully.’ Even though our main objective was reconnaissance, I felt as though I were already part of the operation. That seriousness brought me closer to action. In guerrilla life, preparations before an operation are extremely important. A successful operation can inflict a heavier blow on the enemy. Of course, reconnaissance work is not limited to this. The entire guerrilla movement operates with a defined purpose. When one speaks of guerrilla fighters, words like discipline, secrecy, awareness, creativity, courage, and many more come to mind. That is why, under all conditions, one must organize and act accordingly.

In the end, this mission brought me many experiences and memories. Without a doubt, a successful reconnaissance lays the groundwork for a successful operation. And I can confidently say that the reconnaissance mission we carried out ended in success.”