ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - A stabbing attack in Duhok’s local bazaar on Tuesday left at least two people wounded as they were celebrating Akitu - the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year.

Hundreds of Chaldeans, Assyrians, and Syriacs in Duhok marked the arrival of Akitu on Tuesday, the Babylonian-Assyrian New Year 6775 and a celebration of the revival of nature in the spring.

Hemn Suleiman, Duhok police spokesperson, told The New Region that the attack did not occur during the actual celebrations, but targeted celebrants in the bazaar.

Duhok Governor Ali Tatar strongly condemned the “inhumane” attack during a press conference, confirming that the suspect has been apprehended and an investigation has been launched.

“Kurdistan has always been a place of coexistence, and this coexistence has continued throughout history without any difference and discrimination,” said Tatar, vowing to protect all communities of the Kurdistan Region.

“Our entire life, until our last blood drop we will defend our Christian, Yazidi, Syriac, Chaldean, Assyrian, Orthodox, Armenian.. Arab and Turkmen brothers and sisters. Anyone who is Kurdistani and lives in Kurdistan: we will protect them as our own eyes.”

The Kurdistan Region’s Security Council said later in the day that the suspect is a Syrian national “with terrorist beliefs belonging to ISIS [the Islamic State].”

One of the wounded is reportedly in critical condition.

Top leaders of Kurdistan Region and Iraq on Tuesday wished Christians a happy Akitu, reaffirming commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all individuals.

Updated at 11:47PM with the Security Council statement