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Citizen of England Anna Campbell (26) had joined Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), which is fighting together with the People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Syria, in May 2017.
According to Guardian and Independent newspapers, crossing to Afrin, Campbell lost her life in an airstrike launched by the Turkish Air Forces on March 15.
She dyed her hair black
Speaking to Guardian, a YPJ militant said, “Anna’s wish to fight in the battlefield was firstly rejected but she was persistent. She dyed her hair black so that she would draw less attention”.
Her father: She was very determinate
In his interview with the English media, Anna Campbell’s father Dirk Campbell said that her daughter put her life on risk but she rejected to stay in spite of the danger she was aware of. “Maybe I should’ve tried more to bring her back but she was very determinate” and added:
“They knew that she would come to people’s attention with her blue colors and fair-hair. Thus, she dyed her hair and convinced her commanders”.
Her friend: She helped civilians
Macer Gifford, a British volunteer with the YPG, said: "I travelled into Rojava with Anna in May 2017. She was kind, funny and brimming with energy. She had heard about the bravery of the YPJ and they inspired her to come out to fight for democracy, equality and peace in Syria".
"She wanted to fight ISIS and to rid Syria of the evil that has ripped the country apart," said Gifford, who uses a pseudonym. "Anna then bravely volunteered to join the defence of Afrin. She bravely fought alongside her YPJ sisters, they opened corridors for civilians to leave and delayed the invaders long enough to save thousands of lives."
The first woman citizen of England killed in Syria
26-year-old Anna Campbell has become the first woman citizen of England who lost her life battling in YPG and YPG fronts. The number of citizens of England who lost their lives while fighting with these groups has reached eight. (PT/TK)
