The launch of the 15 August Offensive in Kurdistan under the leadership of the great commander Egîd (Mahsum Korkmaz), and the beginning of armed warfare, represented a major resurrection for the Kurdish people. The offensive demonstrated that the Kurdish people were no longer without means or without anyone to defend them. Commander Egîd opened a new path for the Kurdish people to defend their existence and, in this respect, became a symbol of guerrilla warfare in Kurdistan.
YJA Star guerrilla Rehşan Baran spoke about the 42nd anniversary of the 15 August Offensive. YJA Star guerrilla Rehşan Baran said: "With the launch of the 15 August Offensive, we have achieved very significant gains. Whatever is said today about the 15 August Offensive, it will never be enough. Because it is thanks to this offensive that we have reached where we are today. The developments that emerged around Comrade Egîd had an impact on young people and the population, leading to strong participation in the ranks of the guerrillas. At that time, the Kurdish people were indeed under tremendous pressure and attack. However, thanks to the movement created by Leader Apo and the 15 August Offensive carried out by Commander Egîd, major steps were taken for the freedom of the Kurdish people. With the 15 August Offensive, our people understood that they too had a force capable of defending themselves."
Guerrilla Baran added: "As the Kurdish people, we were finally able to begin speaking of our existence. Comrade Egîd brought this consciousness to the Kurdish people. Comrade Egîd was loved among the Kurdish people for his Apoist personality. What was Comrade Egîd’s purpose and goal? What kind of personality had he built himself into? In short, the important thing is how we will enhance the value that Commander Egîd left us and how we will uphold it. Our people must now realise that there are no obstacles standing before them.
We must understand the meaning and importance of this day; we must know what 15 August means to us. Because this offensive established the existence of the Kurds. We will fulfil Comrade Egîd’s aim in this offensive through our struggle. We have reached where we are today thanks to Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan]. We must intensify our struggle and take major steps in terms of self-defence. On this occasion, once again, I wish Leader Apo, our people and all our comrades a happy 15 August."