Aleppo - On July 22, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Counter-Terrorism Units (YAT) commander Jiyan Tolhildan and her comrades YPG commander Roj Xabûr and YAT member Barîn Botan were killed in Turkish drone attack in Qamishlo. The funeral of Jiyan Tohildan was held in Şêxmeqsûd and Eşrefiye Martyrs' Cemetery located in Aleppo's Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood with the participation of thousands. The people attending the funeral carried photographs of three fighters and flags of YPG, YPJ and YAT. A minute's silence was observed at the beginning of the funeral.

“She never lost her determination to fight”

Rohilat Afrin, a member of the YPG and YPJ General Command, made a speech and drew attention to the determination of Jiyan Tolhildan to fight. “She never lost her determination to fight despite the attacks. Jiyan Tolhildan took part in important operations such as the operations launched to liberate Serêkaniyê, Aleppo, Manbij, Deir ez-Zor, Shengal (Sinjar) and in the Martyr Rubar Campaign. The foundations of the revolution were laid by Jiyan and her comrades. This revolution was victorious. Our revolutionary struggle will continue to achieve its goals. Our comrades, Roj Xabûr and Barîn Botan sacrificed their lives for their belief in the revolution. Now, we are stronger than before. We will continue our struggle and resistance against the invaders with the spirit of the philosophy of leader Abdullah Öcalan.”

“She followed her brother’s path”

“Jiyan followed in the footsteps of her brother Ali, who fell as a martyr while protecting the revolution,” Jiyan Tolhildan’s mother Asya said.

Asya promised to follow the path of the martyrs until the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Öcalan is achieved and the martyrs of freedom are avenged.

After the speeches, Jiyan Tolhildan was laid to rest by thousands of people shouting slogans.