The Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) reported a terrorist attack during the Akitu spring festival celebrations in Duhok on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. A cleaver-wielding assailant attacked festival participants, injuring two civilians before security forces swiftly intervened and arrested the suspect.

In a statement released on Thursday, the KRSC identified the attacker as Lu'ayy Abdul Rahim Ramadan, a Syrian national also known by the alias Abu Juhayman Baghdadi. Born in 2003, the suspect reportedly confessed to being an ISIS affiliate during interrogation and admitted that the assault was carried out under directives from the extremist group’s leadership.

The Akitu festival, a traditional Assyrian and Babylonian celebration marking the arrival of spring, was disrupted by the violent incident. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the attacker struck before being subdued by security personnel from the Duhok Security Directorate.

The KRSC emphasized its dedication to safeguarding citizens and countering extremist threats, particularly during public and religious events. Authorities have launched a further investigation into the attack to determine potential connections to broader ISIS networks.

No additional threats have been reported, but security remains heightened across the region. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.