Kurdistan VP: 1 February Attacks Sought to Erase Kurdish Identity

Kurdistan Region Presidency

Kurdistan VP Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa.

Kurdistan Region Vice President Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa has issued a message marking the 22nd anniversary of the 1 February tragedy, stating that the objective behind such heinous acts extends beyond the loss of lives to an attempt to erase Kurdish identity.

In his message, Sheikh Mustafa paid tribute to the victims of the attack, describing the anniversary as a painful reminder of a dark chapter in Kurdistan’s history.

“On this sorrowful anniversary, when a number of leaders, Peshmerga fighters, and the brave and loyal people of Kurdistan fell victim to the hands of dark forces of terrorism, I pay tribute to each martyr of this unforgettable tragedy,” he said.

He stressed that the attacks were aimed not only at killing Kurds, but at undermining the very existence of the Kurdish nation. “Unfortunately, the objective behind these heinous acts is not solely the martyrdom of our sons, but the erasure of the identity of the Kurdish nation. It is vital for the Kurdish leadership to recognise that the enemies have always sought our elimination and will always be a threat to our land and country,” he added.

Sheikh Mustafa concluded by honouring the families of the victims, stating: “I salute the martyrs of this unforgettable tragedy, all the martyrs of Kurdistan, and the steadfast resistance and unwavering will of their proud families.”

On 1 February 2004, on the first day of Eid al-Adha, al-Qaeda terrorists carried out two coordinated suicide bombings in Erbil, targeting the headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The attacks resulted in the martyrdom of 105 officials and civilians, with hundreds more injured. Those killed had gathered to mark the first day of Eid al-Adha, a time traditionally associated with peace, tolerance and celebration.



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