IRAQ: Political and religious leaders condemn terrorist attack on Kha Nison–Akitu 6775 procession in Nohadra (Duhok)

NOHADRA, Iraq — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting Chaldeans–Syriacs–Assyrians celebrating Kha Nison–Akitu, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year, in the city of Nohadra (Duhok). The attack, carried out with an axe, left an elderly Assyrian woman from the village of Ain Baqreh and a member of the Ancient Church of the East and a young Syriac man from Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah) and a member of the Syriac Catholic Church injured.

According to the KRG’s Security Council, the assailant, a Syrian national, is believed to be an adherent of the Islamic State’s (ISIS) extremist ideology. In a statement, the Kurdistan Region Presidency confirmed that authorities are actively investigating the incident and assured that the perpetrator will face legal consequences.

Dr. Mohamed Al Hassan, the UN Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, strongly denounced this criminal act, emphasizing its threat to the spirit of coexistence and tolerance that Iraqis and their government have worked hard to restore. He urged the authorities to ensure those responsible face justice.

“As we express our solidarity with the Assyrian Christian community during these difficult times. We emphasize that religious and ethnic diversity is a cornerstone of Iraq’s social fabric and must always be safeguarded as an essential element of a stable and inclusive Iraq,” Dr. Al Hassan stated.

The attack has drawn strong international reactions. Aday Bethkinne, an Assyrian member of the Christian Democrats (Kristdemokraterna, KD) in Sweden, called for enhanced security measures to protect Christians in Iraq and across the region.

“They want nothing more than peace and security for all ethnic and religious groups,” Bethkinne said, adding that the attack serves as a grim reminder of the dangers facing Iraq’s indigenous Christian population. “This was not just an attack on individuals; it was an attack on the original inhabitants of Mesopotamia. But they remain determined to fight for their existence in their ancestral homeland.”

The Ancient Church of the East Patriarchate also issued a statement condemning the attack, urging authorities to take firm action against the perpetrators to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Archbishop Mar Azad Shaba of the Chaldean Diocese of Nohadra visited the hospital where the victims are being treated, offering spiritual and moral support during their recovery.