Mazlum Abdi: All Syrian components owe to comrade Nour El-Din

On August 11th, the People’s Defense Forces (HPG) announced the martyrdom of the commander in the Apollo Military Academies, Koçero Urfa, along with leader Nour El-Din Sofi, describing the latter as “a pioneer of the freedom revolution in Rojava and North and East Syria.”

Mazlum Abdi, who shared years of study and revolutionary work with martyr Nour El-Din Sofi in Syria, spoke about his comrade’s personality and long struggle for freedom. He noted that their relationship deepened since their student days and that their families were previously acquainted through national work and social ties.

“Comrade Nour El-Din grew up in a patriotic family committed to ethical and religious values in a village surrounded by Arab communities. He preserved his national values on one hand, while maintaining excellent relations with the Arab community on the other. This upbringing left a deep imprint on his revolutionary path and had a significant positive influence,” Mazlum Abdi said.

“prominent leading figure at university”

Reflecting on their time at Aleppo University, Mazlum Abdi recalled: “At that time, our revolutionary movement had reached an advanced stage, and our activities at the university were notable. Comrade Nour El-Din quickly became well-known among Kurdish students, was active among them, and played a leading role for a long period. He participated in organizing Newroz celebrations, marches, and social events, and led them all. I can say that many of his revolutionary traits originated during this phase.”

He added: “His activities were not limited to the university; they extended into the community. He visited Kurdish neighborhoods such as Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafieh, and Haydariyeh in Aleppo and was active there. He also spent time in Afrin, where he continued his revolutionary work.”

“He wanted to write a novel about the Rojava Revolution”

Mazlum Abdi highlighted the cultural side of the martyr’s personality: “He was an intellectual who passionately loved writing. In 1991, we worked together for over a year on the magazine ‘Dengî Welat,’ where he wrote about the revolution. This work greatly influenced his revolutionary path. He was passionate about intellectual, educational, literary, and scientific subjects and was recognized as a revolutionary intellectual. Even during the Rojava revolution, he attempted to write a novel about it, and he left behind several works and writings.”

“A trusted figure”

Discussing Nour El-Din Sofi’s role in the revolution of North and East Syria, Mazlum Abdi said: “In 2013, when the Rojava revolution reached a pivotal stage, we invited him to join due to his military and political expertise. He played a leading role socially and politically and contributed to developing the autonomous administration. The years 2013, 2014, and 2015 marked the beginning of building our social system, and he held a leadership role throughout. He earned the trust of the people and comrades and built strong relations between Kurds, Arabs, Syriacs, and all components. Indeed, from 2013 until his martyrdom, he had a leadership role in all aspects of the Rojava revolution.”

“Left his mark in defeating ISIS”

Commander Nour El-Din Sofi joined military operations in late 2016 and early 2017 and played an active role in the war against ISIS mercenaries. Mazlum Abdi stated: “He always played a crucial role in our campaigns against ISIS. The campaign to liberate Raqqa was one of the toughest operations, as it was ISIS’s stronghold and capital. ISIS took many precautions there. During this campaign, Comrade Nour El-Din’s determination was decisive in managing the battle. Whenever we faced an obstacle, he found a solution. He also led the battle to defeat ISIS in al-Baghuz in Deir ez-Zor and left a clear mark in eliminating ISIS. Our people, from all components of North and East Syria, are grateful to him for saving them from ISIS terrorism.”

“Played a key role in the assassination of Baghdadi”

Mazlum Abdi revealed another highly significant role of Commander Nour El-Din: “He played a principal role in the operation that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. We received intelligence about his whereabouts, but some comrades doubted its accuracy. Comrade Nour El-Din pursued it persistently, verified it himself, and then left the decision to the Syrian Democratic Forces and the coalition. He was responsible for the operation’s success and led it under our command.”

Mazlum Abdi added that the martyr also participated in leading the battles of Afrin, Serekaniye, and Tal Abyad / Girê Spî, playing a prominent role in all.

The General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces concluded by referring to the circumstances of his comrade’s martyrdom: “He was martyred as a result of a Turkish airstrike. His martyrdom is a great loss for the Kurdish movement in Rojava and for all Syrian components. This event will have a profound impact, but we, his comrades, will continue the struggle and achieve his goal.

ANHA