Twenty-One Years Pass Since February 1st's Terrorist Attack

PUKMEDIA

Names and photos of some of the victims.

On February 1, 2004, two terrorists entered the city of Erbil and strategically attacked the headquarters of two major political parties.

Exactly twenty-one years ago, a heinous crime was committed against the Kurds and the city of Erbil. Al-Qaeda terrorists carried out two suicide bombing attacks at once at the headquarters of 3rd centre of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Erbil and the 2nd branch of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

The two suicide bombings coincided with the first day of Eid al-Adha of that year. A total of 105 people, who gathered at the two buildings to celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha, were martyred.

The terrorist attack that targeted the PUK and KDP headquarters shocked the Kurdish people as a whole, as the tragedy happened on the first day of Eid al-Adha, when people all over the world were celebrating tolerance. 

The Political Bureau of the PUK issued a statement to recall the great tragedy, stating: "The terrorist attack, carried out by the enemies of Kurdistan at the central and branch headquarters, targeted citizens who had gathered in the spirit of Eid—to exchange greetings, forgive one another, and celebrate together. This atrocity served as a stark reminder that these enemies make no distinction between different groups within our nation. To them, all Kurds are equal targets, and they view the values of tolerance, reconciliation, and the spirit of Eid as obstacles to their malicious aims. They stop at nothing to commit their crimes."

Adding: "Even after 21 years, the wounds inflicted on our people, particularly in Erbil, remain unhealed. It is clear that the true remedy lies in unity, harmony, and vigilance against the conspiracies that threaten our hard-earned progress. Strengthening governance by reforming its path, evaluating its performance, and ensuring it serves all citizens—without discrimination—is essential. Let us work together towards this goal."



PUKMEDIA