Sheikh Wasanan and Balisan Attacks Remembered on Environment Day

Azhi Omer

The natural beauty of Fellaw Pond, Balakayati.

Today, Thursday, 16 April 2026, marks the 39th anniversary of the chemical weapons attack carried out by the Ba’athist regime on the Balisan and Sheikh Wasanan areas.

The attack was the first instance in which the former regime used internationally prohibited chemical weapons against the Kurdish population, resulting in the deaths of more than 260 civilians and injuring over 600 others. The regime deployed 12 warplanes, using banned agents including mustard gas and cyanide, causing widespread devastation.

The Balisan Valley in the Khoshnawti area was the first victim of such chemical attacks. This crime was later repeated in Halabja and other towns and cities across Kurdistan, amid a troubling silence during the Iran–Iraq War.

In recognition of this tragedy, 16 April was designated as Kurdistan Environment Day by the Kurdistan Parliament in 2008, marking the first use of lethal chemical weapons in these areas and underscoring the lasting environmental and human impact of the attack.

The environment encompasses the natural world around us, including air, water, land and ecosystems that sustain life. In the Kurdistan Region, the environment continues to face significant challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, climate change, and the long-term effects of past conflicts. These pressures highlight the importance of protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable practices to ensure a healthier and more secure future for coming generations.




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