February 1, 2026
Today, we honor and remember the victims of the February 1, 2004, terrorist attacks in Erbil. In the early morning hours of Eid, terrorists targeted the main headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, killing and injuring dozens of prominent leaders and innocent civilians.
The fallen heroes of the February 1 attacks have become a symbol of coexistence, unity, and sacrifice made by the people of Kurdistan for freedom and liberty. They became martyrs while celebrating Eid, a celebration of devotion and love. Honoring the victims is not just a simple act of remembrance but is a reiteration of our commitment to the principles they sacrificed their lives for.
The best way to honor the sacrifices of the February 1 martyrs, and all martyrs of Kurdistan, is to safeguard our hard-won achievements, strengthen our unity, and stand united across all political parties. Let us use this commemoration as a chance to rise above our divisions, and build a brighter future for generations to come, one that honors the sacrifices made by our martyrs.
We pay tribute to the martyrs of the February 1 attack and all the fallen heroes of Kurdistan. Our deepest respect goes to their families and loved ones.
Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region