Deputy PM: We May Differ in Our Views, But Our Enemies Target Us Collectively As Kurds

Qubad Talabani's media office

Monument of the 1 February martyrs.

On the anniversary of the 1 February tragedy, Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, reaffirmed the need for Kurdish unity in the face of ongoing threats, stressing that despite political differences and disputes, enemies target all Kurds collectively.

“The message of 1 February is unmistakably clear. We may differ in our views, interests and political positions, and we may represent many colours within our society. However, terrorists, adversaries and enemies target us collectively as Kurds, seeking to weaken and destroy us,” Talabani said in a statement posted on his social media accounts.

“It is therefore our national duty, despite all differences and disputes, to confront these threats together—as Kurds—united in purpose, with one soul and one shared position,” he added.

Marking the 22nd anniversary of the tragedy in Erbil, Talabani paid tribute to the victims, saying: “We salute the souls of all the martyrs of this terrorist attack, and of all the martyrs of Kurdistan.”

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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