On March 7, 1991, the city of Sulaimani became a focal point in the Kurdish struggle against Saddam Hussein’s Baathist regime. This uprising, part of a broader Kurdish rebellion across northern Iraq, marked a pivotal moment in the Kurdish resistance. The events in Sulaimani not only demonstrated the resilience of the Kurdish people but also laid the foundation for the eventual establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). This report examines the uprising, its immediate consequences, and its long-term legacy.

The Uprising in Sulaimani

The rebellion began in the Sarchnar neighborhood of Sulaimani, where the first shots were fired, signaling the start of the uprising. Residents, supported by Peshmerga forces, targeted key regime installations, including the Hamiya police station and the Saray administrative center. By March 8, strategic locations such as the Red Security headquarters (Amna Sooraka) and the Salam Barracks were under Kurdish control. The swift and coordinated actions led to the surrender of thousands of Iraqi soldiers, the death of the provincial governor, and the elimination of numerous regime officials.

The uprising in Sulaimani was part of a larger Kurdish rebellion that began in early March 1991. The Kurdistan Front, a coalition of Kurdish political parties, had strategically divided Peshmerga forces to target various Kurdish provinces, including Kirkuk. While cities like Duhok experienced organized uprisings that expelled regime forces, the liberation efforts faced varying degrees of resistance across the region.

International Dynamics and Saddam’s Response

The uprisings across Iraq were inspired by U.S. President George H.W. Bush’s call for the Iraqi people to rise up and overthrow Saddam Hussein. However, despite this encouragement, the U.S. refrained from providing direct military assistance to the rebels. This lack of support left the Kurdish and Shia uprisings vulnerable when Saddam’s regime retaliated.

A critical moment occurred during the ceasefire negotiations at Safwan on March 3, 1991, when U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf inadvertently allowed Saddam’s forces to use helicopter gunships under the guise of troop transport. This decision proved devastating, as the regime used these helicopters to launch brutal attacks on Kurdish and Shia rebels, leading to widespread massacres and the suppression of the uprisings.

By early April 1991, Saddam’s forces had retaken much of the territory lost to the rebels. In Sulaimani, the regime responded with violent reprisals, executing those suspected of supporting the uprising. Thousands of Kurdish families fled to the mountains, seeking refuge from Saddam’s vengeance. This exodus resulted in one of the largest refugee crises in modern history, with over one million Kurds facing starvation and harsh winter conditions along the Turkish-Iraqi border.

International Intervention and the Birth of the Kurdistan Regional Government
The scale of the humanitarian disaster prompted international intervention. The U.S., U.K., and France established a no-fly zone over northern Iraq, effectively creating a safe haven for the Kurds. This intervention not only protected the Kurdish population from further attacks but also paved the way for the establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in 1992.

While the uprising did not immediately result in independence, it laid the foundation for Kurdish autonomy. The establishment of the KRG allowed the Kurds to build institutions, develop governance structures, and exercise self-rule for the first time in modern history. This marked a significant step forward in the Kurdish struggle for self-determination.

Legacy of the Uprising

The 1991 uprising in Sulaimani remains a defining moment in Kurdish history. It demonstrated the resilience of the Kurdish people and their determination to achieve self-determination. The sacrifices made during the uprising continue to inspire the Kurdish struggle for democracy, stability, and self-governance.

Thirty-four years later, the legacy of the 1991 uprising stands as a reminder of the courage and perseverance of those who fought for freedom. The Kurdistan Region continues to navigate political and economic challenges, but the uprising serves as proof that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the will of the people can change history.

The 1991 Sulaimani uprising was a turning point in the Kurdish struggle against Saddam Hussein’s regime. Despite the initial setbacks and the lack of direct international support, the uprising laid the groundwork for Kurdish autonomy and the establishment of the KRG. The events of 1991 continue to resonate today, as the Kurdistan Region strives for greater recognition and stability. The legacy of the uprising serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Kurdish people and their quest for self-determination.