Thirty-seven years ago, on March 16, 1988, the Kurdish city of Halabja witnessed one of the most horrific chemical attacks in modern history, carried out by the Saddam Hussein regime.

The massacre left thousands dead and permanently scarred generations of Kurdish people, marking a dark chapter in both Iraqi and global history.

As the world reflects on this solemn anniversary, survivors and human rights organizations continue to demand justice, recognition, and accountability for the victims of the Halabja massacre, which remains a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked tyranny and international inaction.

A Brutal Crime Against Innocent Civilians

The attack on Halabja occurred during the final stages of the Iran-Iraq War, as part of Saddam Hussein’s Anfal Campaign, a military operation aimed at crushing Kurdish resistance in northern Iraq. The campaign, which spanned several years, involved mass executions, forced displacements, and chemical attacks, culminating in the genocide of an estimated 180,000 Kurds.

On March 16, 1988, after days of aerial and artillery bombardment, Iraqi warplanes dropped a deadly cocktail of chemical weapons—including mustard gas, sarin, tabun, and VX nerve agents—on Halabja, a city of approximately 40,000 people.

Survivors recall horrific scenes of suffering and devastation. Within minutes, thousands of men, women, and children collapsed to the ground, gasping for air as toxic fumes spread through the city. Many died in their homes, while others attempted to flee, only to succumb to the poisonous gas in the streets.

“The air was filled with a strange smell—like rotten apples. People were falling down everywhere. Mothers held their children tightly, hoping to protect them, but they all died together,” recalled one survivor, who lost most of his family in the attack.

By the time the gas had dissipated, at least 5,000 people had died—most of them civilians. Thousands more were left with lifelong illnesses and disabilities, and many who survived the initial attack died in the following weeks due to exposure to the chemicals.

International Complicity: A Crime Ignored

Despite the overwhelming evidence of Saddam Hussein’s use of chemical weapons, the international response at the time was muted. The United States, Europe, and other Western nations—many of whom had supported Saddam’s war against Iran—initially downplayed or ignored the massacre, refusing to take immediate action.

Human rights organizations have long argued that Western nations played an indirect role in enabling the attack, pointing to evidence that some European companies supplied Iraq with the materials needed to produce chemical weapons. Documents and reports later revealed that American and European governments were aware of Iraq’s chemical weapons program but chose to remain silent, prioritizing geopolitical interests over human rights.

It was only years later, after Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, that Western governments began openly condemning his regime, but for many Kurdish survivors, this was too little, too late.

A City Scarred But Resilient

Despite the overwhelming destruction and loss, Halabja has become a symbol of resilience and resistance. Over the past three decades, survivors and activists have worked to keep the memory of the massacre alive, ensuring that the victims are not forgotten.

Every year, on March 16, commemorative events are held in Halabja and around the world, where families of the victims, Kurdish officials, and human rights activists gather to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

In 2006, the Iraqi High Tribunal formally recognized the Halabja massacre as a genocide, and in 2010, Saddam Hussein’s cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid, also known as ‘Chemical Ali,’ was executed for his role in the attack. However, many survivors believe that justice has yet to be fully served, as no international court has officially prosecuted those responsible.

Unanswered Questions and Calls for Justice

While the Halabja attack was undeniably an attempt to crush Kurdish resistance, questions remain about the broader geopolitical context. Some experts argue that Western governments should also be held accountable for their complicity in the tragedy, given their support for Saddam Hussein during the 1980s.

There have been long-standing allegations that some European countries supplied the Iraqi regime with the chemical materials used in the massacre, yet no meaningful action has been taken against these entities. Survivors and human rights groups continue to demand a full international investigation into the role of foreign governments and companies in enabling Saddam’s chemical weapons program.

A Future Built on Remembrance and Accountability

As the world marks the 36th anniversary of the Halabja massacre, Kurdish leaders and human rights activists are renewing their calls for justice and recognition.

There is growing pressure on international bodies, including the United Nations, to formally recognize the massacre as a genocide and to hold all responsible parties accountable. Kurdish activists have also urged governments to impose stricter measures to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons, ensuring that no other community suffers a tragedy like Halabja.

A Tragedy That Must Never Be Forgotten

The memory of the Halabja massacre serves as a haunting reminder of the horrors of chemical warfare and the consequences of global inaction. For the survivors and the Kurdish people, the wounds remain open, and the fight for justice, truth, and accountability continues.

As the world remembers this tragedy, one message remains clear: Halabja must never be forgotten. The lessons of history must be preserved, and the international community must work tirelessly to prevent such atrocities from happening again. (ILKHA)