PUK VP Urges Kurdish Unity on Anniversary of 1 February Tragedy

PUK VP's Media Office

PUK VP Rafaat Abdullah.

Rifaat Abdullah, Vice President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), issued a message on the 22nd anniversary of the 1 February tragedy, stressing that the sacrifices of the martyrs and victims have become a foundation for strengthening Kurdish unity.

In his message, Abdullah said the anniversary should serve as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to unity in the face of ongoing challenges.

“We proudly commemorate the martyrs of 1 February and pay tribute to their pure souls,” he said.

He noted that the terrorist attacks were aimed at the Kurdish people and Kurdistan as a whole, adding that the perpetrators sought to undermine Kurdish aspirations through acts of brutality. “They attempted to destroy the great goals of Kurdish identity with their dark ambitions, but the blood of the martyrs and victims instead became the basis for further strengthening our unity and internal Kurdish cohesion,” he said.

Abdullah concluded by calling for solidarity and collective action, stating: “Let this anniversary encourage us to unite and face obstacles and challenges together, and to work for the prosperity 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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