The Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) released a statement to mark its 9th foundation anniversary and the birthday of Kurdish leader Öcalan, April 4th.

The YPJ statement released on Monday includes the following:

“We congratulate Öcalan, all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom, all activist women and pro-freedom people to mark April 4th when the YPJ became an army. We commemorate Silava, Bêrîvan, Jinda, Warşîn, Rêvan, Arîn, Avesta and Sosin who contributed to the revolution by sacrificing their lives and are the symbols of the YPJ. We also remember our internationalist friends Anna Campbell, Ivana Hoffman, Ceren Gunes, Zilan Ereb, Sarya Ozgur, who genuinely embraced Öcalan’s philosophy and sacrificed their lives for free women and the Rojava Revolution, and our companions who were captured by the Turkish forces while fighting against them. We celebrate the 9th foundation anniversary of the YPJ by remembering them and we state that our struggle has made progress thanks to their efforts.

'YPJ RELIES ON ÖCALAN’S IDEAS'

The YPJ has based its establishment, leading role and army organization on the perspective of freedom introduced by Öcalan. It is very important for the women of the region to raise an army and to reclaim their free woman identity and land through their self-organization. The emergence of the YPJ gave hope to all women and the peoples of the region for a free future. The YPJ forces have fought for freedom in all areas of the struggle and put up outstanding resistance. The long-standing struggle and activities of the YPJ in Rojava and North and East Syria have given hope to the women of the Middle East and all over the world. The YPJ has promoted the cause of women's liberation and the perspective of a democratic nation for the last 9 years through the democratic ecological and women's liberation paradigm. It defends its revolution as part of self-defence by expanding its defence troops.

The establishment of the YPJ military force on April 4, which is Öcalan’s birthday, is of great importance. Öcalan's birthday is a day of identity, culture, existence and truth for those who seek freedom. His ideas and thoughts have become a compass for freedom. We and all those who want freedom regard the philosophy of freedom as a major inspiration.

Our heroic revolution which has been achieved through resistance and struggle will continue with the same enthusiasm. We will liberate our lands from the invaders by expanding our revolution. We call upon all women in the world to support the Rojava Revolution.”