BEHDINAN – Saying “The end of AKP-MHP will be at the hands of Kurdish women,” YJA Star Central Headquarters Commander Zozan Çewlik drew attention to the leadership of female guerrillas in the war.
Çewlik said that the KDP tied its fate to this war; Noting that he hoped Zap and Avaşîn would fall, he said, “We also know that Turkish soldiers are fighting wearing peshmerga outfits.”
YJA Star Headquarters Commander Zozan Çewlik answered Stêrk TV’s questions. We share the entire interview.
As you know, May is a month when great prices are paid and the pioneers of the Freedom Movement were martyred. What would you like to say about the martyrs of May?
Our struggle for freedom has left 50 years behind. Undoubtedly, a price has been paid and martyrs have been given every day of our struggle for freedom, but May is the month when many of our pioneer comrades became martyrs. Our pioneer comrades who fell martyrs in this month left their mark on history with their struggles, resistance and martyrdom. At the same time, they played a major role in our struggle by acting on the line of freedom and the truth of the PKK.
I would like to congratulate you once again on May 1, World Workers’ and Workers’ Day, and greet everyone who took to the streets and participated in the demonstrations. May Day martyrs, Mehmet Karasungur, İbrahim Bilgin, one of the first commanders of our movement, Hozan Mizgîn (Gurbet Aydın), an inspiration to women and the Kurdish people, great revolutionaries Deniz Gezmiş and his friends, Şirin Elemhûli, Ferzad Kemanger, Eli Heyderiyan, Ferhad Deputy, Haki Karer, one of our leading comrades I commemorate all our martyrs with respect in the person of Ferhat Kurtay, Mahmut Zengin, Eşref Anyık, Necmi Öner, who rebelled against fascism in prison, and İbrahim Kaypakkaya, who resisted fascism for the Kurdish people and the peoples of Turkey at the same time.
The basis of the resistance against the attacks against the Medya Defense Zones today was formed by the martyred friends whose names I have mentioned. They became hope for the Kurdish people, the peoples of Turkey and all peoples. They rebelled against the fascist, dictatorial powers and illuminated the path of humanity. They have become a torch for all peoples. We also gained strength, courage, and most importantly, the consciousness of freedom from these heroes and pioneers. This revealed the existence and will of the Kurdish people, Kurdish women.
We set out on this basis, and today as Kurdistan guerrillas, in Zap and Avaşîn, we are resisting the invading Turkish state with this spirit so that the price paid by Rêber Apo and our martyrs is not in vain. As the fighters of Rêber Apo and the comrades of the martyrs, we will protect the labor and line of our martyrs in order to make this cause successful, we will not recognize any obstacles that come our way, and on this basis, we will crown our freedom struggle with victory. We promise once again; We will lead the line created by our martyrs to success.
The invading Turkish state launched an invasion attack on the Medya Defense Areas on April 15, under the name of “claw-lock operation”. What is the purpose of this attack, why did it name it “paw-lock”, what is the role of the KDP in these invasion attacks?
We should not deal with the concept of occupation of Kurdistan only in 2022. This is the concept of occupying the lands of Kurdistan. We cannot deal with this concept independently of the attacks on Avaşîn, Metina and other areas last year. A process is taking place both in the world and in Kurdistan and the Middle East. The Kurdish Freedom Movement is fighting for the Kurdish people, Kurdish women and all oppressed peoples. We cannot separate the genocidal attacks against our Leader, our people and our Movement from this concept of war.
They want to prevent the success of the line created by the leadership for the peoples, for freedom and for the oppressed. Many powers see the Leader’s line as dangerous for their own interests. That’s why they take part in the concept of war against us. NATO is one of these forces. NATO is putting into practice the genocidal policy developed by the Turkish state against the Leader and the Kurdish people. With the concept of war, they want to eliminate the Kurds who defend the libertarian and democratic nation in the person of Rêber Apo. They aim to destroy the leadership and PKK line.
Undoubtedly, these attacks are not only against the PKK. Long-term invasion plans were made. That’s why everyone, especially the Kurdish people, should understand the purpose of this concept. This year is a very critical year for the AKP-MHP government, especially Erdoğan. It is also a critical year for the KDP. Why? Because the AKP was able to survive for 20 years with the methods of fascism and dictatorship. In recent years, especially the resistance of the guerrilla in Garê and Avaşîn, the resistances in the dungeon, and the attitude of our people on March 8 and March 21, have further weakened the AKP-MHP government. The fascist government is experiencing its most feared and weakest period. This year is very important for Erdogan, who wants to continue his dictatorship.
TURKISH STATE HAS FEAR OF ZAP
That’s why it takes NATO, international forces and the KDP with it. The reality of leadership, guerrilla and PKK is a serious obstacle to the interests of these forces. Their interests are concentrated in one place. That’s why some forces take an active part in this occupation concept of the Turkish state and turn a blind eye to attacks. With this concept, he wants to prolong his power by striking a blow to the Leader and the guerrilla. Everyone knows this. This is Erdogan’s war, first and foremost. Because he has something to lose. He is already aware of that. That’s why it uses different attack methods. There is a serious economic crisis in Turkey, the elections are near, he knows that he can no longer deceive the Kurds and other peoples as before. All he has left is the concept of war.
For Erdogan, 2022 is the last year. So it is the year of winning and losing. In order not to lose, it uses all the means of the state, forces such as the KDP. We have stated many times that the Turkish state uses the KDP. In fact, the KDP is also using the Turkish state. The KDP now knows that it is nearing the end of its politics. That’s why this year is a critical year for AKP and KDP more than anyone else. We need to know this. Erdogan knows that he only has the option of war to maintain his power. Because there are serious reactions against the AKP-MHP government in Turkey right now.
The invading Turkish state wanted to blockade many regions during the invasion attacks it launched on Medya Defense Zones. Using his technical power, he aimed to attack from many areas in this way. The enemy used twice as many techniques in Avaşîn and Zap than in previous periods. The Turkish state is trying to show itself strong, but it is very afraid of the defeat it will experience in the Zap. That’s why they use so many techniques. That’s why they called the invasion attack a “key operation”. The Turkish state and army are experiencing the fear of Zap too much.
IF KDP THINK OF THE KURDISH PEOPLE, IT WOULD NOT PARTICIPATE
In order for the KDP not to take part in the concept of war with the Turkish state in previous years, both the administration of our Movement, the PKK and the Kurdish people approached this issue very carefully. All these efforts are to ensure that the suffering inflicted on the Kurdish people is not repeated in the 21st century, and that the gains that the Kurdish people have made with great effort and cost are not destroyed. The Kurdish people have shown their stance as much as our movement. The KDP went one step further for the Turkish state to occupy the Medya Defense Zones. Already before the attacks, the Turkish state and the KDP had many meetings.
As the Kurdish people, we have come this close to becoming a nation for the first time under the leadership of the Leader. In whose interest is the establishment of national unity? Of course KDP. KDP already knows this. This year he made his choice clearly and went one step further. The KDP also has an interest in these invasion attacks. Those who do not want the national unity of the Kurdish people to be established are the ruling forces, the occupying states and the KDP. Because the KDP knows very well that the Barzani Family and the KDP mentality will be defeated if national unity is established under the leadership of Rêber Apo. The KDP does not think about the Kurdish people, if it did, it would not take part in this invasion attack.
The AKP does not just occupy Bakur, its plans include destroying the PKK, and then occupying Bashur and Rojava. Another aim is to take Kirkuk and Mosul. Their problem is not only the lands of Kurdistan. After occupying Kurdistan, it will invade the lands of the peoples and Arabs of the Middle East. He made all his plans on it. The KDP is also involved in these invasion plans for the Barzani family’s interests. Otherwise, they do not have a problem to protect the Kurdish people, the Kurdish nation. If that were the case, he would have stood by his people and those who resisted in Kurdistan. We support the Turkish state in logistics, intelligence and many other issues, and we even know that Turkish soldiers are fighting in peshmerga outfits. KDP also does some things secretly to avoid any reaction. KDP hopes that Zap and Avaşîn will fall. Later, he plans to activate his military forces in the Behdinan area.
PASSES THE LANDS OF THE TRIBITS THAT PAY THE PRICE
Here, I want to make a call to the people of Bashure Kurdistan. The people of Bashure Kurdistan, many of their tribes, paid a heavy price against someone like Saddam. They went through many massacres to defend the land of Bashure Kurdistan. So they have attitude. These tribes opposed the KDP’s war policy many times. Look at their history, they objected. Let’s say as an example; Today, there is the Rekanî tribe in Derelok. They are patriotic people. They have always protected their lands, patriotic feelings and languages, and paid the price. So they never adopted the invasion of the enemy. For this reason, many young people of the Rekanîs have been killed in recent years. Many people are rebelling right now; because they are knowledgeable, they are patriotic. The youth of Bashure Kurdistan are either arrested and imprisoned, starved or murdered. By whose hand? by the Turks. We can say that he did the same thing to Birados and Zebarîs. Similarly, Metîna does it to some tribes on the line of Heftanîn. Why? These tribes are the main owners of the Bashur land; they paid the price. All ruspis (leading leaders) of the tribes in Bashur should know these.
Be careful; mainly left their lands to the Turkish state occupation. Whose land does Kurêjahro belong to? Rekanîs… They have given many parts of Biradost to the Turkish state. There are Surçis and Zebarîs in some places only in Akre, Dinarte region. So who is there now? Since last year, most Roj gangs have been settled there. However, the former commanders of the peshmerga were Zebarîs, Surçis, Biradoslu. Now go and see, they have changed their policy on these lands since last year, Roj gangs have been placed in all circles from Dinarte to Akre. They should be skeptical of this. Why? Because the KDP has developed different policies against the tribes that pay the highest price; From the economy to different things, it has given the lands of these tribes to the occupation of the Turkish state. The people of Bashur, especially the people of Behdinan, should see this truth. It must be seen, and this mistake is not only directed against the PKK, but also directed against Kurdistan. It is a mistake made against this people as well as against the PKK.
On the other hand, this war has come to a stage. There is a truly unique resistance to this occupation and concept. The truth is, of course, there is variation in the methods of the guerrilla. The Turkish state should understand this well. It cannot afford to occupy the mountains of Kurdistan. He cannot stop the guerrilla. The guerrilla is responsible for defending the whole of Kurdistan. The whole plain, the mountain is his area of responsibility.
KDP DO NOT FORCE US TO TAKE SOME STEPS
Now Zap is besieged from the down line and KDP is in it. It seems that the KDP itself, especially the Barzani Family, and especially Masrour Barzani are organizing this work. He is actively involved. The KDP should know this well: If the Kurdistan guerrilla struggles in the Zap, we will take Barzan too! Barzani is not the steward of Zap, Avaşîn and Garê! Doesn’t he know? Barzani should know this fact. Barzan mountain, with its mountain, water and forest, is no less than Zap. Mount Sefin is no better than Garê. Doesn’t he think that much? Does the KDP ever consider this policy? In other words, the KDP is one of those who know the truth of the PKK guerrilla best, and who has known it for the longest time. Does the KDP not understand this at all? Didn’t the KDP and the fascist state get that message? At this year’s Newroz, all young people were saying ‘Biji Serok Apo’. Didn’t thousands of young people say ‘Biji Serok Apo’ all over Kurdistan on March 8? Will they leave Zap alone? That is not so. For this reason, the KDP will review its policy. If Zap, Avaşîn, Metîna, Garê, Behdinan are besieged and if they stand by the Turkish state in breaking the guerrilla, we will move on to other areas. Don’t get us to this point. The KDP must account for this. For this reason, he is just at the beginning of the job and should know this fact and act accordingly.
The guerrilla faced a great test in the resistance against the attacks in 2021. What was your preparation level against the attacks that started in April, how did the guerrilla invading forces react, what is the situation in the Medya Defense Zones now?
As a concept, the Kurdistan guerrilla had prepared itself since winter. We were already waiting; The Turkish state would continue its invasion attacks in the Behdinan area to finalize its planning. For this reason, we can say that the guerrilla in Zap and Avaşîn prepared himself in spirit, belief, morale and stance, which probably everyone has seen the guerrilla’s stance in Newroz images.
A very serious experience has been revealed, especially in the war waged in the Media Defense Areas in 2021. In that war, the Turkish state used all dirty methods. Now, not only the enemy’s style and tactics; at the same time, he evaluated his own tactics, the practices of the last year, and drew conclusions. We entered the year with this goal. First, we entered this period with this spirit, stance and assertion, just as our Movement said “Dem dema azadiyê”. At the same time, we aimed to liberate the Leader physically. We, as the guerrillas of Kurdistan, are aware of the following; Our stance, our action, our breaking of fascism will strengthen the Leader’s hand and ensure the Leader’s physical freedom. So we live this historical responsibility.
Last year the enemy landed in many places. The Turkish state took places where there were no guerrillas. War has been fierce in many places so far. For example, the war in Zap is very tough right now. There is a war going on day and night. If he was followed, maybe one or two of the caves were entered by the enemy. Some places; For example, they used chemicals in Çiyayê Reş, Kurêjahro and Martyr Berxwedan. However, the guerrilla made changes against it this year. The center of this war is Zap and Avaşîn, and the Kurdistan guerrilla has revealed such an experience and experience that the war is not only waged in tunnels, but the action is more intense on the ground. They also call themselves mobile teams. It is also intertwined in style and tactics. In other words, he is not just resisting the operation, he is taking action to achieve victory. The Zap guerrilla is experienced. Avaşîn, the Zap guerrilla is the continuation of the Bazên Zagrosê Campaign today. They gained experience both in the field and in understanding the enemy’s style. In this 17-day war, the guerrilla is not only in resistance but also in attack. Guerrilla has shown its difference in this regard.
We will not defend Zap only in Zap. That’s the difference this year. All guerrillas in the Medya Defense Zones will defend the Zap. This is our claim. Everyone has a responsibility in this regard.
Could you tell us about the role of YJA Star and the level of her actions, how did faith and sacrifice affect this war?
In this war, which we left behind for 17-18 days, the entire YJA Star commander and his force played their roles at the leadership level. 8 female friends have been martyred in the war so far. In the person of Mizgin, Viyan and Saristan comrades, I commemorate all male and female martyrs who took part in this resistance with gratitude, and once again I bow respectfully before their resistance.
In the war waged in Zap and Avaşîn, YJA Star guerrillas lead the front lines and mobile teams in all areas of the war with their stance, will, beliefs and actions. Every YJA Star guerrilla is aware of his responsibilities in the historic war against the enemy. All of our comrades are acting in the most difficult conditions with great faith, with the style and tactics of the period. We can say that YJA Star gave its color to this war. On behalf of the YJA Star Executive, I salute your leadership and actions in the war. This war is not an ordinary war, nor should their participation be ordinary; They’ve been showing it since day one. The end of AKP-MHP will be at the hands of Kurdish women. Our women’s defense force gives the necessary answer, without any hesitation, by protecting its own land from the heart. YJA Star built that initiative, attitude and leadership in its own personality and built its organization on this. He put his defense power on top of that. Kurdish women protect their natural power. That’s why AKP-MHP fascism hates Kurdish women so much. Why? Because the Kurdish woman has become a power. Now it is the YJA Star power, which is so advertised and equipped with the latest technique, that pushes its soldiers on the battlefield the most. The war of the period is waged with the mind. I say that the power of YJA Star also builds this understanding. He created this power and expertise in himself. That’s why he leads the way on the battlefield. I say it once again; The resistance of YJA Star and all Kurdish women will defeat AKP-MHP fascism.
What are the guerrillas aiming for in the new period, in other words, what is the duty of the other parts of the Medya Defense Zones, and how should the Bakure Kurdistan guerrillas participate?
As HPG and YJA Star forces, we entered this process with a certain planning. We will certainly not be on the defensive. defeating AKP-MHP fascism; We entered the year with the claim of defeating the concept applied towards our people, our Leadership and our Movement. We built our planning on that. Undoubtedly, there are serious attacks on Medya Defense Areas, a hot war is taking place in the Zap and Avaşîn areas, and we need to turn this into a victory. We must strike strong blows. Undoubtedly, these fields also play a role in this regard. Our defense forces are not only located in Medya Defense Zones; We must play our role actively in the plain, in the city, in Bakure Kurdistan, in every area where we have guerrilla forces.
Many operations of the Turkish state, which still continue from winter to spring, were in vain. As far as we have followed so far, our Bakure Kurdistan power has preserved itself. We believe that the Bakure Kurdistan guerrilla has intensified well this winter and they have prepared themselves for 2022. Of course, we want to say that; The current conditions, the invasion operations, an extraordinary process is going on, but our Bakure Kurdistan guerrillas should not rush. The next 10-15 days, until mid-May, are undoubtedly still critical. It can continue its operations frequently and strike a blow to the Bakure Kurdistan guerrillas who take action. In other words, the Bakure Kurdistan guerrilla has gained experience in these matters. For this reason, the Bakure Kurdistan guerrilla must plan their period correctly. We believe that all our teams, HPG and YJA Star forces in Bakure Kurdistan can make a fundamental change in 2022. In fact, he should have the initiative in the defense of Zap and in ensuring the physical freedom of the Leader.
The enemy says ‘We are finished’ for the Bakure Kurdistan guerrilla. If you’re done, why are you doing so many operations? Why are you operating in a place where there are no guerrillas? This also shows his lies. We know where and how many guerrillas we have, which friends we have. Especially with the end of May, all our strength and every friend can show the Kemal Pir stance. What is Kemal Pir’s stance? Wherever there was an attack on the Leader’s line, wherever there was an attack on the revolution, an attack on the PKK, an attack on the people, Kemal Pir would take action wherever he was and strike the enemy with crucial blows. That is the Kemal Pir style. For this reason, our Bakure Kurdistan guerrilla must adopt the style of Kemal Pirler. I mean, to the style of agits. At the same time, the YJA Star guerrilla must train himself in the Zilan style. It not only changed the fate of the process, but also dealt a serious blow to the enemy’s policy of destruction in Dersim. For this reason, the important thing is to take a stand against the attacks on the leadership line and the party with the responsibility of this process with a correct understanding. If he arranges himself correctly, a friend of ours is worth a thousand Turkish soldiers. For this reason, the Bakurê Kurdistan guerrilla must transform its power into action in the most active way through coups in 2022. It can focus all its concentration on following the enemy, take itself out of the enemy’s control and strike the Turkish state with effective blows and effective actions, and transform its power into action. That’s when he can shoulder the weight of the Movement, shoulder the weight of Zap and not leave Zap alone. In order to do this, he must protect himself during this 10-15 day period. It should nullify operations. Our Bakur force practices its annual planning according to the annual planning of our Movement. It should not be passive, it should be activated. All our forces should not meet the year 2022 ordinary, and should not participate in the ordinary. We believe that we will determine the fate of this year by turning the resistance into victory. This is what is expected from the Kurdistan defense forces.
In addition to the historical resistance of the guerrilla, there is also the ownership of the people. What should be done?
Our people are responsible for owning the resistance of the guerrilla, but also for their own freedom, defense, and values. In this process; Our people have taken such a stance, especially on March 8, Newroz and so far. On behalf of all our guerrilla friends, I greet our people who did not leave the streets. I believe that the resistance of our people will lead us to victory. Although there are attacks on our people and our Movement, we know that they are exhausted. This process is a fate-defining process for the Kurdish nation. Therefore, this year, our people will not leave the guerrilla alone with their Newroz spirit, actions and attitudes, and will also protect their own will in the person of the guerrilla. We believe that in 2022, women and youth, especially the Kurdish people, will continue the year with the spirit of Newroz. Every day to come will be transformed into Newroz. That is what will lead us to victory. Just as the guerrilla gives his life for this people with his resistance, there is no doubt that an attitude is demanded, action is demanded, a stance is demanded in order to protect him. We believe that our people will show this stance in the future as well. As the Kurdistan guerrilla, we will transform all areas into areas of resistance and victory in order to defeat AKP-MHP fascism.
