ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Friday marked the anniversary of the Camp Speicher massacre, describing it as one of the most horrific crimes in Iraq’s modern history committed by the Islamic State (ISIS).

His statement came as commemorative events were held in Salahaddin province to mark the 12th anniversary of the tragedy, which saw ISIS fighters massacre almost 2,000 Iraqi Air Force cadets at the military base near Tikrit, the overwhelming majority of whome were Shiite Muslims.

In a statement, Zaidi said the massacre remains a painful memory and a lasting symbol of the brutality of terrorism.

“This tragedy will remain a witness to the scale of the crime committed by terrorism against our people,” he said, adding that the victims of Speicher continue to represent sacrifice, resilience, and Iraqi unity in the face of extremism.

Zaidi renewed the government's commitment to the families of the victims, saying authorities are working to guarantee their legal and moral rights, care for their families, and honor their sacrifices.

During the ceremony, Speicher Martyrs Commemoration Committee Chairman Moeen al-Kadhimi said authorities have recovered the remains of 1,250 victims since the liberation of Tikrit and returned them to their families following DNA testing.

Kadhimi said efforts to pursue those responsible for the massacre led to the arrest of more than 150 suspects.

“Seventy two of those perpetrators have been executed after being convicted, while the rest are still awaiting just punishment,” he said, adding that many victims' remains are still missing.

He also called for granting the victims’ families their full rights, building memorials in their home provinces, documenting the victims’ stories, and distributing residential land plots to eligible families who have not yet received them.

“Mercy and eternal glory to the innocent martyrs of Speicher and to all the martyrs of Iraq,” Zaidi added. “Shame and disgrace to the killers, terrorists and their supporters.”

Hundreds suspected of participating in the horrific massacre have been arrested, and dozens have already been executed.

In November, Justice Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Laibi stressed that “those convicted in the Speicher massacre are not covered by the General Amnesty Law.”