35 Years Since the Uprising: How Erbil Was Liberated from Saddam’s Ba’athist Regime

Kurdistan 09:40 AM - 2026-03-11

Erbil on the day of the uprising.

On this day 35 years ago, the people of Erbil rose up against the injustice and dictatorship of Saddam Hussein’s Ba’athist regime. Under the leadership of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), residents of the capital joined the wider Kurdish uprising and succeeded in liberating the city within a short period.

The popular uprising first erupted on 5 March 1991 in the district of Rania, led by the PUK. From there, the movement rapidly spread across towns and cities throughout the Kurdistan Region. By 11 March, the wave of resistance had reached Erbil, where local residents took to the streets against oppression and tyranny. Through determination and courage, they were able to drive out the security forces of the former Ba’ath regime in a short time.

A Call from Kosrat Rasul Ali

The uprising in Erbil was sparked by a call from the veteran Peshmerga commander Kosrat Rasul Ali, who urged fighters and underground groups to begin their operation. His message called on activists and resistance cells to launch the uprising and confront the Ba’athist forces.

Recalling the events, Kosrat Rasul Ali said that they had been entrusted with a historic responsibility to liberate the city. With the participation of Erbil’s brave residents, fighters, secret organisations, armed cells and Peshmerga forces, the city was freed in record time. The victory was later celebrated in front of the historic Erbil Citadel.

Deployment of Peshmerga Forces

On the eve of the liberation, PUK Peshmerga forces deployed near the Hezob Bridge in preparation for the operation. The forces advancing towards Erbil were organised into two main fronts: one commanded by Kosrat Rasul Ali and the other led by Burhan Saeed Sofi.

On 11 March 1991, the forces advanced towards their targets, capturing key positions before entering Erbil. The city was liberated, and the fighters celebrated their victory at the Erbil Citadel.

The PUK and the Uprising

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan played a central role in organising and leading the uprising. It worked to unite Kurdish forces under the umbrella of the Kurdistan Front and coordinated efforts to liberate Kurdistan.

Liberating Erbil was particularly challenging, as the city hosted many headquarters of Saddam Hussein’s Ba’ath Party. However, through the determination of the local population, the fighters and the Peshmerga, and a carefully organised plan carried out by PUK armed units and underground cells, the city was ultimately freed.


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