ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region leaders on Sunday called for unity while commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the 2004 Erbil suicide bombings, stressing the importance of defending Kurdish rights and progressing forward in harmony.

On February 1, 2004, the offices of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Erbil were targeted by a double suicide attack, in which 103 people were killed and over 200 others were wounded.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called for a united stance in securing Kurdish rights, stressing, “We must not abandon the path of those martyrs until we reach the final goal.”

“We must be united, principled, and steadfast in defending the legitimate rights of our people," the premier said.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani echoed such sentiment, saying that the best tribute to the victims “is protecting the achievements, deepening the spirit of fraternity and cooperation, and unity among political parties.”

No group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which came as Iraq was being propelled into a bloody civil war that saw myriad sectarian atrocities and massacres of civilians following the US-led invasion in 2003.

Paul Bremer, head of the Coalition Provisional Authority that temporarily administered the country post-invasion, said following the attacks that "in the world's recent history few, if any, have suffered more than the Kurdish people."

"The terrorists who killed and maimed so many here struck a grievous blow to your community, robbing you of many fathers, brothers, mothers and children. They also robbed you of public-spirited citizens who surely would have emerged as leaders in the new Iraq," Bremer added.