Today marks the 39th anniversary of the chemical attack carried out by the former Iraqi regime against the villages of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and the Khoshnawti Valley in 1987—an assault that became one of the early episodes in a series of chemical attacks targeting civilians across the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement marking the anniversary, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, paid tribute to the victims and expressed solidarity with their families and all those affected by the tragedy.

Barzani said the chemical bombardment of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and the wider Khoshnawti Valley represented a “heinous crime” committed by the former Iraqi regime, one that marked the beginning of a devastating campaign of chemical attacks against the people, land, and environment of Kurdistan.

“On this solemn day, we remember the martyrs, and our thoughts are with their loved ones and with everyone who has been affected by this terrible atrocity,” the president stated.

He also highlighted the historical significance of the region, noting that Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and the Khoshnawti Valley have long been known for their strong support for the Kurdish liberation movement and the Peshmerga forces.

According to the statement, the villages were targeted precisely because of their steadfast commitment to the Kurdish cause. Despite the brutality of the attacks, Barzani emphasized that the people of Kurdistan remained resilient while those responsible for the crimes ultimately fell.

The president of Kurdistan Region concluded his message by honoring the victims of the attack and all those who have lost their lives in the struggle for Kurdistan.

“May peace be upon the souls of the martyrs of Khoshnawti and all the fallen heroes of Kurdistan,” the statement read.