The martyrs of Komala (Kurdish: کۆمەڵە) have left an indelible mark on the political and social history of East of Kurdistan (Kurdish: ڕۆژھەڵاتی کوردستان), symbolizing unwavering dedication to freedom, equality, and national liberation. Their memory stands as a powerful symbol of commitment, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice and liberation by the leftist forces and revolutionaries of Kurdistan.
When the criminal regime of Iraq carried out the chemical bombing of the city of Halabja (Kurdish: ھەڵەبجە) on 27 Reshema 1366 (16 March 1988), more than 5,000 residents of the city were killed and the entire region was poisoned. Among them were our comrades in the heroic Shwan Battalion (Kurdish: گوردانی شوان), who were stationed in the area. All of them were affected by the chemical attack, and despite their critical physical condition, they found themselves caught between Iranian and Iraqi military operations and under direct assault by elite forces of the Islamic Republic’s terrorist Revolutionary Guards. In a heroic battle, they fought with courage and resistance until the last round and last breath, one by one joining the ranks of Komala’s and Kurdistan’s martyrs, leaving behind a beloved and unforgettable legacy.
Twelve of those comrades, severely affected by the chemicals, despite their condition, fought bravely against the regime’s forces. They were eventually captured and later executed during the mass executions of political prisoners in Kharmaanan (August) 1988.
The Shwan Battalion has, over the years of Peshmerga (Kurdish: پێشمەرگە) resistance, become a symbol of legendary courage and rare sacrifice. Their name gained honour not only after their martyrdom but during their lifetime of active resistance in defence of the progressive and national movement of Kurdistan. A generation of Komala commanders and Peshmerga were raised within this battalion, and even 36 years later, their legacy remains strong and respected.
Today, nearly two decades on, the day of martyrdom of the comrades of the Shwan Battalion has come to be commemorated as Komala Martyrs’ Day. It is a day that commemorates a generation of leftist fighters in Kurdistan who played a vital role in the political, civil, and mass struggles — including resistance in prisons and torture chambers, firing squads, and Peshmerga fronts. They left their mark on this revolutionary history with their sacrifice and courage.
In mass and grassroots struggle, in underground organisations, in political and cultural action, and in organising women, workers, environmentalists and youth, Komala’s leftists were leaders — in trenches, in raising mass awareness, and in spreading progressive, egalitarian consciousness. In solitary cells, under the shadow of gallows, and on execution grounds, they were models of perseverance and inspiration.
The heroism of Komala’s Peshmerga in defending East of Kurdistan in recent decades is full of lessons and stories that demonstrate the truth and justice of the Kurdish cause. Komala’s Peshmerga were not just fighters — they were messengers of the most human and progressive ideals, advocating for an emancipated and just society. Their conduct in battle against the occupying forces revealed how deeply Komala was committed to humanity. Thousands in that era came to understand Komala’s message through the actions of these fighters — who embodied comradeship, discipline, and love. Their contribution is an inseparable part of Kurdistan’s revolutionary legacy.
Today, as we pay tribute to Komala Martyrs’ Day, the Kurdish liberation movement finds itself in a historic and hopeful phase — witnessing mass popular support. Amidst regional turmoil, all of Kurdistan is engaged in transformation. These conditions, more than any time since the 1979 revolution, present a powerful opportunity for Komala — as a Kurdish leftist force — to take new and decisive steps forward in the fight for a free, progressive, and equal Kurdistan.
The martyrs of Komala were from a generation of Kurdish leftist militants who not only founded political and social movements and parties, but also became leaders and builders of this revolutionary path. Though they are no longer with us, their names, resistance, and sacrifices continue to guide our struggle.
Respectfully, 27 Reshema – Komala Martyrs’ Day
Central Committee
Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan (Kurdish: کۆمەڵەی زەحمەتکێشانی کوردستان)
25 Reshema 1403
15 March 2025