PM Barzani commemorates chemical bombardment of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Koshnawati Valley
“Today marks the day, 36 years ago, that hundreds of Kurds were slain by Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons,” PM Barzani wrote in a tweet.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday posted a message and video commemorating the chemical attack on Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Koshnawati Valley.
“Today marks the day, 36 years ago, that hundreds of Kurds were slain by Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons,” PM Barzani wrote in a tweet.
“The massacre was a focal point of the genocide. It will never be forgotten,” he added.
“We grieve the lives lost and families destroyed. We honor their memory,” Barzani concluded.
Today marks the day 36 years ago that hundreds of Kurds were slain by Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) April 16, 2023
The massacre was a focal point of the genocide. It will never be forgotten.
We grieve the lives lost and families destroyed. We honor their memory. pic.twitter.com/LaoZ0Ilxig
On April 16, 1987, the former Ba’athist regime carried out a brutal attack, with the use of chemical weapons, against the innocent civilian population in Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Koshnawati Valley. At least 265 people were killed in the attack.
Earlier today, the Leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) also commemorated the brutal attack and called it an “unforgettable crime.”
Read More: Chemical attacks on Khoshnawati Valley ‘unforgettable crime’, says KDP Barzani