Politics

KRG President urges Iraqi government to deliver justice on 36th anniversary of Anfal

Highlighting the Iraqi Supreme Criminal Court's recognition of Anfal as a genocide, President Barzani reiterated the imperative for the federal government to ensure justice and comprehensive compensation for all victims of the atrocity.

Kurdistan 24 2024/04/14 10:50

KRG President Nechirvan Barzani issued a message on the 36th Anniversary of Anfal Campaign. (Photo: KRG Presidency)

Kurdistan KRG President Nechirvan Barzani Kurdish genocide Anfal Campaign April 14th

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – President Nechirvan Barzani of the Kurdistan Region reiterated his call for the Iraqi federal government to fulfill its duty in establishing justice and compensating the victims of the Anfal genocide in a statement marking the 36th anniversary of the tragedy.

President Barzani underscored the significance of recognizing the Anfal campaigns as one of the most horrific crimes and genocides in history.

"In solemn remembrance of the thirty-sixth anniversary of the infamous Anfal campaign, which claimed the lives of over 182,000 innocent Kurds, we pay tribute to the victims whose lives were unjustly taken by the regime in Baghdad," stated President Barzani. "The enduring repercussions of this tragedy persist to this day, and it is our duty to honor the memory of those lost and seek justice on their behalf."

"We stand steadfast in our commitment to providing unwavering support and services to the families of Anfal victims, across all sectors, and vow to spare no effort in locating and repatriating the remains of the martyrs to their homeland," affirmed President Barzani.

Furthermore, President Barzani emphasized the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) ongoing efforts to secure international recognition of the Anfal genocide and prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.

"On this solemn occasion, we reaffirm the unity and cohesion of all components of Kurdistan, essential for safeguarding our rights, achievements, federalism, and the constitutional entity of the Kurdistan Region," concluded President Barzani.

The statement concludes with blessings for the martyrs and their families, and a commitment to preserving their memory and legacy.

The Anfal campaign, commonly referred to as the Kurdish genocide, was a systematic genocide perpetrated against Kurds in southern Kurdistan by the Ba'ath regime under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, during the Iran-Iraq war. The operation involved approximately 200,000 Iraqi troops and resulted in the disappearance of 182,000 civilians and the destruction of over 4,500 villages.

The Anfal campaign unfolded in multiple stages:

1. The first phase (February 9 to February 23, 1988) targeted the Sargallu and Bargallu areas of the Soordash Township in the Dukan district of Sulaimani province.

2. The second phase (February 22 to April 1, 1988) extended to the Qara Dagh region.

3. The third phase (April 7 to April 20, 1988) encompassed the Garmian areas in Kirkuk province and cities such as Khurmatu, Kalar, Kufri, Darbandikhan, Chamchamal, and others.

4. The fourth phase (May 3 to May 8, 1988) covered the length of the small river, including Agh’jalar, Goptapa, Askar, Sheikh Bzeni, Koya, Khalkan, and Dukan.

5. Phases 5, 6, and 7 (May 15 to August 26, 1988) extended to various regions including Balisan, Shaqlawa, Hiran, Nazanin, Smaquli, Alana Valley, Rawanduz, Choman, Kandil Mountain Range, Ranya, Chwarqurna, Hizop, Bawaji Mountain, some villages of Koya, Dibaga, and Perde.

6. The eighth and final phase (August 25 to September 6, 1988) targeted the Badinan region of Amedi, Duhok, Zakho, Sheikhan, Akre, and Barzan.

Since 2007, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has designated April 14 as a day of remembrance to honor the victims of the Anfal genocide.