On Thursday, Reuters reported that when militants from the so-called Islamic State (ISIS) fired mortars at Iranian Kurdish women fighters in a position in northern Iraq, the women first responded by singing through loudspeakers and then opened fire with their rifles. One of the approximately two hundred female Peshmerga fighters, 21-year-old Mani Nasrollahpour, stated that they wanted to provoke ISIS and show that they are not afraid. The Reuters report added that a commander said when the singing began, ISIS deliberately targeted the women's unit with twenty mortars. The report noted that these Kurdish women are part of a larger armed unit consisting of about six hundred fighters aligned with the Kurdistan Freedom Party. The female fighters are considered equal to their male counterparts, and all are proud of the female warriors. "Hajir Bahmani," a Kurdish Peshmerga, stated that this group has joined a range of Iraqi and Kurdish forces that are supported by a U.S.-led coalition in the operation to liberate Mosul. Mani Nasrollahpour told Reuters that they fight to defend their land, whether in Iranian or Iraqi Kurdistan, and that it does not matter if their battle is against ISIS or another group occupying their territory. According to Reuters, "Avin Vaisi," who participated in the liberation battle of the village of "Faziliyeh" with a heavy rifle in hand, fought street by street against ISIS, saying that they fear women. She added that while ISIS is dangerous, they do not fear them. The report continued that so far, one female fighter from the group has been killed in operations. According to Reuters, like other Peshmerga fighters, Avin Vaisi was disturbed by reports of women being abused by ISIS and resolved to take matters into her own hands. At 32 years old, with a Kurdish flag painted on her cheek, she said that when she saw on television that ISIS tortures women, her blood boiled, and she decided to go fight them. Reuters reported that on Thursday afternoon, the female fighters were lined up on a trench, their weapons aimed at ISIS about seven hundred meters away; a woman with a weapon slung over her shoulder walked by, and a row of captured ISIS rockets was visible. The report stated that aware of ISIS's crimes against women, Mani Nasrollahpour said that the female warriors have vowed never to be captured and always have a bullet ready for themselves. Reuters added that she and others hope to reach the ISIS militants. According to the report, "Hajir Bahmani" stated that female fighters are one hundred percent equal to their male counterparts and that they are proud of the female warriors. Mani Nasrollahpour stated that here, men cook for women. The Reuters report mentioned that the female fighters undergo six weeks of training in skills such as marksmanship and sniping.
Kurdish Women Fighters Battle ISIS with Guns and Songs
Kurdish women fighters in northern Iraq are actively battling ISIS, showcasing their resolve through singing and armed resistance. They are part of a larger unit fighting for their land and dignity, and their efforts highlight the role of women in combat against extremist groups. This situation underscores the ongoing conflict in the region and the empowerment of women in traditionally male-dominated roles.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Kurdish women fighters in northern Iraq responded to an ISIS mortar attack by singing and then firing back. This incident highlights their determination and role in the ongoing conflict against ISIS.
- Approximately 200 female Peshmerga fighters are actively engaged in combat against ISIS.
- The fighters are part of a larger unit supported by a U.S.-led coalition in the liberation of Mosul.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Kurdish population has a long history of seeking autonomy and rights, and women have increasingly taken on active roles in combat against extremist groups like ISIS.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%