Story highlights Abu Layla, a commander of anti-ISIS forces in Syria was shot by a sniper on June 3

Frida Ghitis: Abu Layla wasn't only a major military commander, but also an inspirational figure

Frida Ghitis is a world affairs columnist for The Miami Herald and World Politics Review, and a former CNN producer and correspondent. Follow her @FridaGhitis. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

(CNN) These are crucial moments for the women and men fighting the self-described Islamic State on the Syrian battlefields. In the past few days, troops pushing against ISIS have achieved significant victories, and more successes appear within reach. But the warriors paused this week to say a solemn, tearful goodbye to one of their most beloved commanders, the man known as Abu Layla.

The depth of feeling for Abu Layla matters not only because it reminds us of the harsh reality of what is happening in that battlefield and the individual lives lost in this dismal chapter of Middle East history. It also matters because it tells us something important about the ideas and values of some of the people engaged in the conflict.

Frida Ghitis

One often hears that in the Syrian war, there are no good guys -- that the choice is between autocrats and terrorists, between maniacs of different stripes. But a look at the life and death of Abu Layla puts the lie to that misleading version of what is happening in Syria.

Abu Layla, a Syrian Kurd, was a man committed to building a democratic, secular, multiethnic Syria. A commander of extraordinary charisma, revered by his followers, he was determined to preserve in his troops the sense of humanity that is so easily lost during a time of war, particularly a war as vicious as this one.

Born Faisal Sadoun, a Kurd from the ethnically-mixed Syrian town of Manbij, Abu Layla was hit by ISIS sniper fire on June 3 as he led his forces in a campaign to retake his strategically vital hometown. American forces, which are supporting the operations of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), evacuated Abu Layla for medical care, but he died two days later.