President Masoud Barzani on Monday marked the 12th anniversary of the Yazidi genocide in Sinjar, describing the atrocities committed by ISIS in 2014 as an "everlasting wound" in the memory of the people of Kurdistan and reaffirming his support for the Yazidi community's aspirations and right to return to their homeland.

In a statement issued on the anniversary, Barzani said the genocide targeted the Yazidis because of their Kurdish identity, ancient heritage, and religious beliefs, describing the crimes as a continuation of the long history of massacres and persecution against the people of Kurdistan.

He paid tribute to the victims of the genocide and praised the Peshmerga forces who defended Mount Sinjar, prevented ISIS militants from advancing, and later broke the siege and liberated the city. Barzani also thanked the people of Kurdistan for standing in solidarity with the Yazidis and expressed appreciation to the International Coalition for its support of the Peshmerga in the fight against ISIS.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Yazidi community, Barzani voiced full support for their aspirations and legitimate demands, urging them to strengthen unity and remain hopeful for a brighter future.

He also stressed that the "abnormal situation" currently imposed on Sinjar cannot continue indefinitely, expressing confidence that Yazidi families would eventually return to their ancestral homeland with dignity and honor and receive compensation for the suffering and losses they endured.

Barzani concluded his message by paying tribute to the martyrs of Sinjar and all those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the freedom of Kurdistan.