The 14 July resistance was undoubtedly an epic resistance that raised the flag of victory. Commander Egîd (Mahsum Korkmaz) knew this very well. For this reason, he said, “Whatever happens, the 14 July resistance must be crowned with a great offensive.” On this basis, he organised the 15 August offensive with a flawless plan and strategy. The 15 August offensive was launched simultaneously in Dihê (Eruh) and Şemzînan (Şemdinli), two of the most strategic areas of the cities of Bakûr. 15 August became the day of rebirth for the Kurdish people. At the same time, it became a symbol of the war for freedom alongside Commander Egîd. Today, the HPG and YJA Star guerrillas, who are welcoming the Resurrection Holiday with great enthusiasm, say they are determined to continue their march towards truth by following in the footsteps of the great commander Egîd.
Saluting Abdullah Öcalan, the Kurdish people and their comrades on the Resurrection Holiday, guerrilla Selcan Mehran said: “Indeed, 15 August is a very meaningful and important day. Because the Kurdish people were facing the threat of annihilation. Thousands of brave people emerged in Kurdistan in the person of Comrade Egîd. As guerrillas, we too act in the spirit of 15 August and follow in the footsteps of Commander Egîd. The 15 August offensive launched under the leadership of Comrade Egîd inspired all Kurdish young people to rise up. We need to look at the situation of the Kurdish people before 15 August and the level they reached with the 15 August offensive. As a militant of Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan], I too take this line of resistance as my basis.”
Without 15 August, we would not exist
Guerrilla Bager Serhed, who spoke about the great importance of the 15 August offensive for the Kurdish people, said: “Even after a hundred years have passed, we will always keep this day alive, remember it and welcome it with enthusiasm. Because it is the 15 August offensive that gave us this spirit. The Resurrection Holiday created this spirit: the spirit of keeping alive, the spirit of resistance, the spirit of struggle. Undoubtedly, this developed under the leadership of Comrade Egîd. It is also necessary to mention Comrade Egîd’s commitment to the Leadership. They left us a legacy that enabled us to reach where we are today. We can say once again that if there had been no 15 August, our existence would also have been eradicated. There were signs of this. But after 15 August, the enemy’s calculations did not succeed. To say it once again, the 15 August offensive has great significance for us. We must never forget this, especially as the Kurdish people. Once again, we congratulate Rêber Apo and the Kurdish people on the Resurrection Holiday. We will always keep alive the spirit of 15 August created by Comrade Egîd.”
Guerrilla Avzem Cûdî said: “Through Comrade Egîd, a new way of thinking and a legend were created. At a time when the Kurds were being denied, Comrade Egîd launched an offensive,” and added: “This offensive enabled the rebirth of the Kurds and brought about an awakening among the Kurdish people. The courage of the Kurds had been broken, their will had been broken. At such a time, a commander like Comrade Egîd turned towards Botan. He laid the foundations for the establishment of the guerrilla army and carried out actions. He enabled the Kurdish people to feel their own strength again. As a guerrilla from Botan, we grew up with the legendary stories of Comrade Egîd. What makes Commander Egîd a legend today is his stance and personality. In addition to this, it is his commitment to Rêber Apo. Today, the HPG and YJA Star forces follow in the footsteps of Comrade Egîd. We came to know guerrilla warfare through Comrade Egîd. Because before I was born, my mother and father had stayed together with Comrade Egîd. On this occasion, I once again congratulate Rêber Apo and all the comrades on the Resurrection Holiday.”