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In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Barzani reiterated that Kurdistan’s strength lies in unity and that the memory of this attack must serve as a reminder of the resilience and solidarity of the Kurdish people.
On the 21st anniversary of the Feb. 1st terrorist attacks, Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani honored the memory of those who lost their lives, underscoring that the tragedy was not just an attack on political offices, but on all of Kurdistan.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Barzani reiterated that Kurdistan’s strength lies in unity, and that the memory of this attack must serve as a reminder of the resilience and solidarity of the Kurdish people.
A Tragedy That Sought to Divide, But Strengthened Kurdish Unity
The coordinated suicide bombings of Feb. 1st, 2004, remain one of the darkest chapters in Kurdistan’s modern history.
The attacks targeted the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) Branch 2 and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s (PUK) Center 3 headquarters in Erbil, striking at the heart of Kurdish political leadership on a day that should have been marked by celebration.
The attacks, which occurred on the first day of Eid al-Adha, resulted in 103 casualties, including senior officials and civilians, while leaving many others injured.
The timing was particularly symbolic, as the region was not only celebrating a religious holiday but also a period of political progress toward administrative unity between the KDP and PUK.
The terrorists’ objective was clear—to destabilize the region, disrupt political reconciliation, and sow division.
However, as Prime Minister Barzani underlined in his statement, the attacks did not succeed in breaking Kurdish unity.
Instead, they galvanized the Kurdish people, reinforcing their commitment to solidarity and self-determination.
The Lasting Impact: Strengthening Kurdish Resolve
Prime Minister Barzani’s remarks emphasized the historical and political significance of the Feb. 1st attacks, noting that, rather than achieving their intended goal of weakening Kurdish governance, the terrorists unintentionally strengthened the region’s unity.
Following the attacks, both the KDP and PUK intensified their cooperation, accelerating efforts to consolidate the Kurdistan Region’s administration.
The shared grief of the Kurdish people translated into a renewed political determination to safeguard Kurdistan’s autonomy and strengthen its institutions.
The Prime Minister’s message also serves as a reminder that the threats Kurdistan faces today are not unlike those of the past.
He reiterated that unity is the most powerful weapon against terrorism, oppression, and external pressures.
The Feb. 1st anniversary should be a day of reflection—a day to remember the cost of division and the power of solidarity.
