The Media Center of the People’s Protection Units (YPG) paid tribute to the YPG-YPJ fighters who lost their lives as a result of Turkish airstrikes in Qereçox near Dêrik on April 25, 2017.

The YPG statement on Friday includes the following:

“In the early hours of April 25, 2017, at 2:00 AM, the occupying Turkish state launched a large-scale aerial assault on our command center in the Qereçox mountains, near Dêrik. The airstrikes deliberately targeted our headquarters, central institutions, media center, Radio Rojava, and our active defense units in the region. As a result of this brutal attack, 20 of our comrades—among them leading commanders and members of the YPG and YPJ press teams—were martyred, and 18 others were wounded.

This act of aggression came at a critical moment, as our forces were conducting major operations against ISIS in Raqqa and Tabqa. The Turkish state’s goal was not only to damage our military capabilities but to sabotage the Rojava Revolution and silence those who were advocating for democracy and freedom. Notably, our media workers—who were documenting the progress of the war against ISIS and giving voice to our resistance—were directly targeted. Despite this, our forces responded with strength, dealing significant blows to ISIS positions in a short time. Today, we continue on the path laid by the martyrs of Qereçox, leading efforts to build a new Syria.

The martyrs of Qereçox were not only protectors of our land; they were the vanguard of a new social model based on democratic confederalism, gender equality, and ethnic unity. Our fallen commanders and the three press workers—Heqi, Rêwan, and Şîlan—set a lasting example in our struggle. Martyrs like Nazim, Cîhan, and Egîd, who also gave their lives in the struggle, carried the same unwavering spirit and commitment to truth, freedom, and justice in Tishreen and Qarahqozakh.

We remember our martyrs not only with grief but with renewed determination. The legacy they entrusted to us is our responsibility to defend. It is our duty to preserve the revolutionary gains and to walk the path they opened with their lives. We renew our pledge to continue their mission, strengthen the foundation of free and independent journalism, and move forward with unwavering resolve in building a free and democratic homeland.”