Kurdistan Leaders Commemorate 38th Anniversary of Chemical Weapons Massacre
Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Kurdish leaders paid solemn tributes today on the 38th anniversary of the chemical weapons attacks on the villages of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Wadi Khoshnauti, carried out by the former Iraqi regime.
President Masoud Barzani’s Message
In a statement on Facebook, President Masoud Barzani honored the victims, saying:
"On the 38th anniversary of this horrific crime, we pay tribute to the souls of the righteous martyrs who perished in this massacre and to all the martyrs of Kurdistan. This tragic incident is yet another testament to the brutality of the enemies of Kurdistan and symbolizes the will and resilience of our people in the face of oppression and occupation."
President Nechirvan Barzani’s Tribute
President Nechirvan Barzani also issued a statement, emphasizing:
"Today, we bow our heads in reverence for the pure souls of the martyrs. The chemical bombing was part of a chain of atrocities against our people, land, and nature. Its goal was to crush the Kurdish spirit, but it only strengthened our resolve for freedom."
He added that Kurdistan’s current freedoms and achievements are the result of sacrifice, struggle, and the blood of martyrs, calling for unity, solidarity, and greater service to Kurdistan to honor their memory.
ئهمڕۆ له يادى ٣٨ ساڵهى كيميابارانكردنى باليسان و شێخ وهسانان و دۆڵى خۆشناوهتيدا، سهرى ڕێز و نهوازش بۆ گيانى پاكى شههيدانى ئهو تاوانكارييهى ڕژێمى پێشوو دادهنەوێنين. به ڕێز و شكۆدارييهوه بهبيريان دههێنينهوه و سڵاو و ڕێز بۆ خانهواده و كهسوكارى سهربهرزيان ده…
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) April 16, 2025
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s Remarks
PM Masrour Barzani marked the occasion, stating:
"Today marks 38 years since the chemical massacre of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Khoshnawati Valley. Their sacrifice continues to keep us strong and resilient."
Today marks 38 years since the chemical massacre of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Khoshnawati Valley.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) April 16, 2025
Their sacrifice continues to keep us strong and resilient. pic.twitter.com/1Q81ZC2eI6
The 1987 chemical attacks were part of the Anfal campaign, a genocidal operation by Saddam Hussein’s regime that killed tens of thousands of Kurds. The bombings targeted civilians, including women and children, leaving lasting scars on survivors and their descendants.
Legacy of Resistance
Kurdish leaders reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs remain a driving force behind Kurdistan’s struggle for justice, freedom, and recognition.
"Salute to the martyrs of Khoshnauti and all martyrs of Kurdistan," the statements concluded.
