Mahmud Barzanji
Among the supporters of Sheykh Mahmud was also the 16-year-old Mustafa Barzani, who was to become the future leader of the Kurdish nationalist cause and a commander of the Peshmerga forces. Barzani and his men, following the orders of Barzani tribal Shekyh Ahmed Barzani, crossed the Piyaw Valley to join Sheykh Mahmud Barzanji. Even though being ambushed several times, Barzani and his men reached Sheykh Mahmud's location, but arrived too late to aid in the revolt. The Barzani fighters were only a part of the Sheykh's 500-person force.