President Barzani: Chemical Bombing Crimes Will Remain Etched in Memory

Welat TV – Erbil

Masoud Barzani issued a statement on Thursday, April 16, 2026, marking the 39th anniversary of the Iraqi regime’s chemical bombardment of the areas of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Khoshnawati valley.

The following is the full text of the statement:

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

On April 16, 1987, the former Iraqi regime committed another crime against the Kurdish people by bombing the regions of Balisan, Sheikh Wasanan, and Khoshnawati valley with chemical weapons.

This crime resulted in the martyrdom and injury of a large number of innocent civilians in those areas. This atrocity marked the beginning of systematic attacks against civilians using chemical weapons and the continuation of genocidal policies against our people.

The regime did not stop at this crime; it later arrested dozens of those injured in the disaster and buried them alive in a brutal manner.

On the 39th anniversary of this inhumane crime, we honor the souls of the victims and express our solidarity with their families and loved ones.

We will never forget this painful memory or the suffering endured by the people of Kurdistan; it will forever remain present in our collective memory.

Masoud Barzani

April 16, 2026