HALABJA, IRAQ – MARCH 16, 1988 The chemical attack on Halabja was one of the worst war crimes in modern history. This tragic event occurred on March 16, 1988, during the final phase of the Iran-Iraq War, when Iraqi forces under the leadership of dictator Saddam Hussein launched a chemical weapons attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja in northern Iraq. Deadly agents such as sarin, mustard gas, and other nerve agents were used during the assault.
The attack claimed the lives of at least 3,200 to 5,000 civilians, mostly women and children, and thousands more suffered serious injuries or long-term health effects. The victims experienced burns, respiratory problems, and internal organ damage. Many of the survivors continue to struggle with chronic health issues to this day.
The chemical attack on Halabja was part of a broader campaign by Saddam Hussein aimed at suppressing the Kurdish uprising, known as the Anfal campaign, which resulted in the deaths of up to 100,000 Kurds. The attack served not only a military purpose but also an intimidation tactic – it was meant to instill fear among civilians and demonstrate the regime’s brutality toward the Kurdish population.
This tragedy was widely condemned by the international community as a crime against humanity. Although Saddam Hussein was never specifically tried for Halabja, the attack remained a symbol of his regime’s cruelty and later became one of the justifications for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Today, Halabja is regarded as a memorial to the horrors of chemical warfare, and annual commemorations are held there in honor of the victims. The attack serves as a reminder of the tragic suffering of the Kurds and the need for adherence to human rights and international laws even during wartime conflicts.