On the morning of February 1, 2004, a twin suicide terrorist attack targeted the branches of both Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Erbil, the Capital of Kurdistan region. The blasts resulted in the death of 101 Kurdish leaders, politicians, and members of the security forces while they were gathered to celebrate the holy Eid al Adha. The terrorists sought to undermine the Kurds and instill fear, but to the contrary, the Kurdish nation was undeterred in its continued struggle to provide freedom and justice for its citizens.. Today, in both Iraq and Syria the Kurdish forces continue to be the single most effective force facing terrorism in the region despite numerous sacrifices.
We remember and honor our fallen martyrs with utmost respect, gratitude and empathy. As we remember the horrific and cowardly act of terror seventeen years ago, we salute the Peshmerga forces for their enduring fight against terrorism and for providing security and safety for the Kurdistan region.
Washington Kurdish Institute
February 1, 2021