Remembering the 1991 Uprising:
Turning Point in Kurdish ResistanceERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On March 7, 1991, the city of Sulaimani became a focal point in the Kurdish struggle against Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime. The uprising, ignited by the residents with support from Peshmerga forces, led to the swift liberation of the city, marking a pivotal moment in Kurdish resistanceThe rebellion commenced in the Sarchnar neighborhood, where the first shots were fired, signaling the start of the uprising. Citizens, alongside Peshmerga fighters, 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 actions resulted in the surrender of thousands of Iraqi soldiers, the death of the provincial governor, and the elimination of numerous regime officials.
The events in Sulaimani were part of a larger Kurdish uprising that began in early March 1991.
The Kurdistan Front, a coalition of Kurdish parties, had strategically divided Peshmerga forces to target various Kurdish provinces, including Kirkuk. The liberation efforts saw varying degrees of resistance, with cities like Duhok experiencing organized uprisings that led to the expulsion of regime forces.
Despite initial victories, the Kurds faced serious obstacles as they sought to consolidate their gains
According to Kurdistan24's '25th Anniversary Series', the uprisings across Iraq were inspired by President George H.W. Bush’s call for the Iraqi people to rise up and overthrow Saddam. However, despite the encouragement, the U.S. refrained from providing direct military assistance, leaving the rebels vulnerable when the regime retaliated.
International Dynamics, Saddam's Response, and Birth of the Kurdistan Regional Government
Despite the rapid success of the uprising in Kurdish cities, the international community, particularly the United States, exhibited hesitation in directly supporting the revolts. The ceasefire negotiations at Safwan on March 3, 1991, were a crucial moment, as U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf inadvertently allowed Saddam’s forces to use helicopter gunships under the pretense of troop transport.
This decision proved devastating, as the Iraqi regime quickly used these helicopters to launch brutal attacks on Kurdish and Shia rebels, leading to widespread massacres and the suppression of the uprisings ('Surrender at Safwan: 25th Anniversary' – Kurdistan24).
By early April, 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
The failure of the uprisings to fully dislodge Saddam’s regime led to one of the largest refugee crises in modern history. Over one million Kurds fled to the mountains along the Turkish-Iraqi border, facing starvation and harsh winter conditions.
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 and leading to the eventual establishment of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in 1992 ('The Kurdish Uprising, Part III: 25th Anniversary' – Kurdistan24).
While the uprising did not immediately result in independence, it laid the foundation for Kurdish autonomy
The subsequent establishment of the KRG allowed the Kurds to build institutions, develop governance structures, and exercise self-rule for the first time in modern history.
The Legacy of the UprisingThe 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.
Although the international response was slow, the eventual intervention provided the groundwork for Kurdish autonomy, shaping the Kurdistan Region into what it is today
Thirty-four years later, the sacrifices made during the uprising continue to inspire the Kurdish struggle for democracy, stability, and self-governance. As the Kurdistan Region continues to develop, the legacy of the 1991 uprising stands as a reminder of the courage and perseverance of those who fought for freedom.
The historical events of 1991 still resonate today, as Kurdistan navigates political and economic challenges. The struggle for Kurdish rights and recognition remains an ongoing battle, but the uprising of Sulaimani serves as proof that even in the face of overwhelming odds, the will of the people can change history
https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/828419/remembering-the-1991-sulaimani-uprising-a-turning-point-in-kurdish-resistance
