Halabja Officially Becomes Iraq’s 19th Province

In a historic move, Halabja has been ratified as Iraq’s 19th province, following years of political effort and Kurdish unity.

The law was signed by President Abdul Latif Rashid after passing with a clear majority in parliament.

This change grants Halabja full legal powers and administrative recognition as the fourth province of the Kurdistan Region, alongside Erbil, Duhok, and Sulaimani.

The city, home to 120,000 people, is internationally known for the 1988 chemical attack that killed 5,000 civilians under Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.