A campaign of chemical attacks against civilians that reflected the regime’s ongoing policy of annihilation against our nation

Message from President Barzani on the Anniversary of the Chemical Bombing of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Dolayi Khweshnawati

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

On April 16, 1987, the former Iraqi regime committed yet another heinous crime against the People of Kurdistan by launching a chemical attack on Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Dolayi Khweshnawati. This atrocity resulted in the martyrdom and injury of many innocent residents of those areas. It marked the beginning of a broader campaign of chemical attacks against civilians and reflected the regime’s ongoing policy of annihilation against our nation.

The regime did not stop there. After arresting victims of the tragedy, it subjected them to brutal cruelty and buried many of them alive.

On the thirty-ninth anniversary of this inhumane crime, we honor the pure souls of its martyrs and extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We will never forget the memory and pain of this crime, nor any of the tragedies inflicted upon the people of Kurdistan.

Masoud Barzani

April 16, 2026