ZINARÎN DEVRÎM

Hasakah- Kirko is a village of Afrin’s Mabata district known for agriculture and animal husbandry, like all other villages and districts of Afrin. The villagers had a simple life. There was a spring water source called Kaniya Erebo in the village and all the villagers got their water from there. Walking around the village, known for its valleys and green spaces was the biggest dream of Ronahî Yekta, one of the commanders of the Women's Defense Units (YPJ).

Ronahî Yekta was born in the village of Kirko in 1995, as the middle child of a family of five. At a young age, she had to support her family. In 2011, she started working as a tailor with her sister. She was not interested in a life without purpose or meaning. She always worked hard by teaching and learning different things. She continued her education while working as a tailor with her sister.

Ronahî Yekta loved nature, adorning everything around her. She was different from everyone by having a beautiful voice, being good at painting and writing poems.

In 2012, Ronahî Yekta began to participate in activities organized by youth organizations in order to turn darkness into light. She also organized training programs to ensure social change and transformation, inspiring many young women and men.

Her father joined the YPG

In 2021, she joined the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) and achieved a high level of competency by attending military education and training. After Rohahî Yekta joined the YPJ, her father, Dilovan, decided to join the People's Defense Units (YPG).

Ronahî Yekta always played an active role in the YPJ with her smiling face. “I joined the YPJ to avenge my mother. But I fight for all women now. My purpose is now to avenge all women. It is not possible for us to protect Kurdistan without sacrificing ourselves; it is not possible for us to be deaf and dumb,” Ronahî Yekta said in an interview.

When the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions started their attacks on North and East Syria, the Tishreen Dam and the Qereqozax Bridge in December, Ronahî Yekta fought on the frontlines as a commander of the YPJ to defend her region and protect her people.

“Despite the surprise attacks, we resisted without hesitation and repulsed the factions. We fight with high morale because this is a war of dignity and everyone must protect their dignity.”

These are the last words of YPJ commander Rohanî Yekta, who was martyred on December 25, 2024 while defending the Tishreen Dam.

“Ronahî was not only our sister but also our mother and our friend,” Nazê Hisên said while talking about her sister, Ronahî Yekta. “She always stood with us. She raised us with her words and advice.”