April 15: A Day of Enduring Struggle and Resilience in Kurdish History
- Rezan Babakir
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction
April 15th stands as a poignant date in the annals of Kurdish history, marked by both profound tragedy and an unwavering spirit of resilience. While the world often focuses on more widely recognized conflicts, the Kurdish people have endured a protracted struggle for self-determination and survival, frequently becoming victims of geopolitical machinations and brutal oppression. This day serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made and the ongoing challenges faced by Kurds across the Middle East, from the devastating chemical attacks of the late 20th century to the persistent threats of the present day.
The Chemical Apocalypse in Balisan and Sheikh Wasan (1987)
One of the darkest chapters in modern Kurdish history unfolded on April 15 and 16, 1987, when the Iraqi regime, under Saddam Hussein, launched a horrific chemical weapons attack on the villages of Balisan and Sheikh Wasan in Iraqi Kurdistan [1]. This act marked a grim milestone: it was the first documented instance of a sovereign state using chemical weapons against its own civilian population. The attack, which occurred approximately 11 months before the more widely known Halabja massacre, served as a chilling precursor to the Anfal campaign, a genocidal operation against the Kurds.
Eyewitness accounts from survivors paint a harrowing picture of the events. As Iraqi aircraft, including fourteen helicopters and six planes, descended upon the valleys, they dropped chemical bombs in the light of the setting sun, just as villagers were returning home for their evening meals. Dr. Zyrian Abdul Younes, a medic with the Kurdish peshmerga fighters, observed the thick white smoke rolling down the valley, immediately recognizing it as chemical gas [1].
The impact on the unsuspecting populace was immediate and catastrophic. Villagers experienced a range of agonizing symptoms, including burning eyes, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and severe skin blistering. Aisha Taha Mustafa, a resident, recounted, “People were dying everywhere.” Many sought refuge in mountain caves, but the insidious nature of the gas meant that even those who initially escaped direct exposure suffered greatly. Some, refusing to believe the worst, returned to their homes, a decision that tragically cost many their lives as symptoms worsened overnight [1].
The aftermath was equally brutal. When Iraqi forces eventually entered the villages, they destroyed everything in their path. However, Balisan and Sheikh Wasan were spared further conventional attacks due to the lingering chemical contamination, which even the soldiers feared. Survivors were transported to hospitals, only to be denied treatment and imprisoned. Mohammed Rasul Qadir, a former teacher imprisoned in Erbil, witnessed the arrival of the chemical attack victims. He described a scene of unimaginable suffering, with children crying for their parents, many blinded and unable to speak due to burned throats. Qadir recounted carrying the bodies of 57 deceased villagers from Balisan who perished in the prison [1]. The male survivors were later taken away and never seen again, while women and children were released, with nine more dying on their first day of freedom [1].
Dr. Zyrian estimated that a total of 203 people died in the initial gas attacks on Sheikh Wasan and Balisan in April 1987. The long-term effects continue to plague survivors, who suffer from chronic respiratory and skin problems, light-sensitive eyes, and profound psychological trauma [1].
Echoes of Conflict: Recent Drone Strikes (2026)
Decades after the chemical attacks, April 15, 2026, finds the Kurdish people still grappling with conflict and external aggression. Recent news reports indicate a surge in drone strikes targeting Iranian Kurdish groups in Iraq. On April 14, 2026, two explosive-laden drones were intercepted and shot down over Erbil province in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region [2].
Further reports on April 15, 2026, confirmed a drone strike on an Iranian Kurdish group in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to three others [3]. This attack specifically targeted the Komala party, an Iranian Kurdish group [4]. These incidents are part of a broader pattern, with Iran reportedly attacking the Kurdish region in northern Iraq over 400 times during its conflict with the US and Israel [5].
These recent events underscore the precarious security situation in Iraqi Kurdistan, where various Kurdish factions, including those opposed to the Iranian regime, often find themselves caught in regional power struggles. The use of drones in these attacks represents a modern evolution of warfare, yet the underlying vulnerability of Kurdish communities to external aggression remains a constant.
A Legacy of Resilience
The events of April 15, separated by nearly four decades, serve as powerful testaments to the enduring struggles of the Kurdish people. From the deliberate targeting with chemical weapons to the ongoing drone strikes, Kurdish communities have faced relentless persecution and violence. Yet, amidst these tragedies, a profound sense of resilience has emerged. The Kurdistan Memory Programme, for instance, actively works to document and preserve the Kurdish story, ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten and that future generations understand the sacrifices made [1].
Organizations and leaders continue to advocate for international recognition of past genocides, such as the Anfal campaign, and demand compensation for victims [6]. The political landscape in Iraqi Kurdistan, while complex, strives for greater autonomy and stability in a volatile region. The continued presence and activities of various Kurdish political and armed groups, despite facing severe repression, highlight the persistent desire for self-determination and protection of their cultural identity.
Conclusion
April 15th, in its historical and contemporary context, encapsulates the multifaceted challenges confronting the Kurdish people. The chemical attacks of 1987 represent a horrific chapter of state-sponsored violence, while the drone strikes of 2026 illustrate the ongoing external threats. Despite these adversities, the Kurdish spirit of resistance and resilience endures. The struggle for peace, recognition, and self-determination continues, with each passing year adding new layers to a rich yet often tragic history. It is imperative that the international community acknowledges these struggles and supports the Kurdish people in their quest for a secure and prosperous future.