It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of PMOI member Mohammad Afzalian in Albania following a cardiac arrest. Mohammad led 47 years of unrelenting struggle against the mullahs’ regime in the ranks of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) and the National Liberation Army of Iran (NLA)
Born in 1955 in Na’in in Isfahan Province, Mohammad Afzalian became acquainted with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) while he was in the United States studying mechanical engineering, after hearing the courtroom defense and learning of the execution of Mehdi Rezaei, known as the “Red Rose” of Iran’s anti-monarchical revolution.
Following the anti-monarchical revolution in 1979, he began his full-time activities with the PMOI through the Muslim Students Association in the United States. In 1985, he went to the Iran-Iraq border region to join the PMOI’s combat units.
In 1987, with the formation of the National Liberation Army of Iran (NLA), he donned the uniform of combat and honor and fought valiantly in many NLA operations, including Operations Meydan, Qarqan, Lak Lak, Dani-Gaz, Garmab, Marivan, Sepidar, Piranshahr, Aftab, Chelcheragh, Forough Javidan (Eternal Light), and Morvarid (Pearl).
Following the 2003 Iraq war, during the 14 years of resistance at Camp Ashraf and Camp Liberty, he distinguished himself on the front lines, including during the valiant resistance at Ashraf on July 28 and 29, 2009, and April 8, 2011, against attacks and missile barrages by mercenaries of the terrorist Quds Force, led by Qassem Soleimani.
Mohammad Afzalian, with the spirit of a revolutionary fighter and filled with faith in revolution and liberation, played a prominent role among his comrades. Energetic and without seeking recognition, he creatively undertook all kinds of responsibilities and was a trailblazer who always stepped forward when the going got tough.
Mohammad Afzalian now joins his martyred comrades from the series of National Liberation Army operations. We salute his selflessness, sincerity, and sacrifice throughout 47 years of full-time struggle against reaction and religious dictatorship. Mojaheds such as Mohammad Afzalian are the shining stars of our homeland in the dark nights of the mullahs’ rule, illuminating the path ahead for the sons and daughters of Iran.
His tradition of struggle and his revolutionary values will remain alive and inspiring until the day of victory among his PMOI comrades and the rebels fighting for Iran’s freedom, especially the young fighters in his hometown of Na’in.