Assailant identified in Kha-Nison–Akitu procession attack in Nohadra (Duhok), suspected ties to Islamic State confirmed

NOHADRA, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — Authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) have identified the assailant behind a brutal axe attack that left two injured during the Kha Nison–Akitu procession in Nohadra (Duhok) on 1 April. The Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) announced that Louay Abd al-Rahim Ramadhan, a 20-year-old Syrian national and refugee, carried out the attack under the influence of the Islamic State (ISIS) ideology.

Ramadhan, also known by his alias Abu Jahiman al-Baghouzi, was apprehended shortly after the attack. In a statement released on Thursday, the KRSC confirmed that the suspect had been indoctrinated by ISIS through online propaganda and had pledged allegiance to an ISIS emir.

The assailant reportedly smuggled weapons, including a sword and axes, to the event, aiming to target Christians during the festivities. Video evidence captured Ramadhan shouting “Islamic State” during the attack before being subdued by witnesses. Two individuals sustained injuries: a 20-year-old man from Baghdede (Qaraqosh / Hamdaniyah) and a 60-year-old woman from Ain Baqrah.

In a video confession released by the KRSC, Ramadhan admitted to undergoing “religious and jihadist courses” and training under ISIS directives. He stated that he specifically chose Kha Nison–Akitu for the attack due to its significance as a major celebration of the predominantly Christian Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people.

Ramadhan, who resided in the Domiz refugee camp, said he was radicalized through ISIS-affiliated social media content and publications. The KRSC emphasized the need to address extremist influences within vulnerable refugee communities.