In a video from the YPG, Shirley introduces himself as Agir, “means fire,” he describes why he volunteered with the Kurdish force.
“I came here to Rojava to stop Da’esh, ISIS as it’s known more commonly in America. They’re my definition of pure evil. I don’t think good people in society can stick other people inside of a cage and set them on fire. So I came here to stop that.”
Shirley, a former US marine born in Nevada, first joined the YPG in February 2015 and participated in an operation to retake the Kezwane Mountains, west of Hasaka, before returning home, the YPG reported.
He came back to Rojava in January this year and joined the defence of the Kobane and Cizire cantons of Rojava. When the YPG, as a member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), launched an operation to retake the city of Manbij, west of the Euphrates, in late May, Shirley joined the operation.
“Hevale Agir was known for his discipline and sense of responsibility. His style and personality were a source of strength, motivation, and morale for his friends. In the fight, Hevale Agir was known and respected as a brave and altruistic person,” reads a statement issued by the YPG on Thursday.
“We can say that Martyr Agir strengthened our brotherhood and fought for the freedom of an oppressed people. The sacrifice of our comrade Agir has enriched the democratic revolution being fought in Rojava, His name has been written in the history of our brotherhood.”
Shirley was killed on July 14.
Macer Gifford, eulogizing his friend of Shirley in a statement published by the YPG on Thursday, said, “He came to fight and participate in the destruction of one of the most vicious ideologies of hate this world has ever seen.”
“When Americans hear about his sacrifice, I hope it gives them great pride. We are one human race that shares one planet. It’s about time people realized that liberty and justice aren’t just words, they’re a birth right.”
Many foreigners have joined the Kurdish forces in Rojava and northern Syria fighting the Islamic State and several have been killed. A Portuguese fighter, Mario Nunes, was killed last month in the same offensive to retake Manbij.
