Guerrilla Dilmaf Efrîn fell as a martyr in February in South Kurdistan’s Gare region following a tragic accident and an ensuing explosion. The People’s Defense Forces (HPG) issued a statement to pay tribute to the martyr and said that “with his passing, the Kurdish guerrilla movement has lost a determined and highly respected fighter who dedicated his life to the struggle for Kurdistan’s freedom.” The HPG shared the following details about the guerrilla:
Codename: Dilmaf Efrîn
Full name: Xelîl Cuma
Place of birth: Efrîn
Parents’ names: Nura – Reşîd
Date and place of death: 6 February 2025, Gare
Dilmaf was born in Afrin (Efrîn), Rojava, a region known for its deep ties to the Kurdish freedom movement. From a young age, he was exposed to the political reality of Kurdistan. Stories of guerrilla fighters, the resistance against assimilation, and state repression left a lasting mark on him. The sense of alienation he experienced in state-run schools, where he couldn’t freely speak his mother tongue, further fueled his desire for a different life.
He worked from a young age to support his family, developed a strong awareness of social inequality, and soon joined the Kurdish youth movement. Guided by a deep sense of justice, his path eventually led him to the guerrilla ranks, a conscious decision to opt for a life of simplicity, collectivity, and resistance.
In 2014, he officially joined the Kurdish movement. After a brief basic military training, guerrilla Dilmaf participated in numerous operations, as well as in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). His discipline, sense of responsibility, and political clarity quickly earned him the trust of his comrades.
His political thinking was especially influenced by the ideas of Abdullah Öcalan and the concept of Democratic Confederalism. Dilmaf was not only a fighter but also a learner: he immersed himself in political and ideological education, participated in specialized trainings, and became a seasoned guerrilla. Comrades described him as sincere, helpful, energetic, and deeply loyal to his ideals.
His final deployment was in a particularly strategic region, where he continued his work with great determination until his death.
The HPG wrote: “Dilmaf was more than a fighter. He was a role model. With his determination, sincere character, and deep dedication to the cause, he has secured a place in the collective memory of our movement. His death is a great loss, but his life remains a legacy. It is now the responsibility of the Kurdish freedom movement, his comrades, and the people of Afrin to carry forward his efforts until the dreams he died for become reality.”