PUK's legendary peshmerga, 'Mama Risha'

P.U.K 05:45 PM - 2021-01-23

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Mama Risha (Bearded Uncle), was a prominent member of the Peshmerga Forces loyal to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, in Southern Kurdistan.

 

Najmadin Shukur Rauf Zanganeh, known as Mama Risha, is a well-known name among Kurds and Iraqis, for his courage and fearlessness, who became a heroic and courageous Peshmerga and fought for the freedom of Kurdistan, and for that he sacrificed his life.

 

Born in the village of Talaban near Kirkuk into a poor family. Since there were no schools in their village he never went to school. He was soon recognised for his qualities as a fearless fighter as well as his personal qualities like bravery, courage, sincerity and fairness. He became the commander of Karti 4 Jabari in 1982, under his command Karti 4 became one of the most effective forces of PUK.

 

His mental strength as well as his strength, stamina and his speed gave him a near mythical status in Kurdish society who were suffering oppression under Saddam Hussein rule. According to some Kurdish sources he chose that nickname because he swore that he would never shave his beard until Kurdistan was totally free from Ba'ath Party's control. He was also nicknamed the "Iron Man" for his furious and well organized battles and ambushes against the Iraqi forces near the Kirkuk area.

 

In late 1970s, he joined the Peshmerga forces of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by Jalal Talabani. He is considered by most Kurds as a role model and a legendary fighter. Najmadin was killed on January 24, 1985 in an ambush set by the Iraqi forces.

 

 

 

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