‘They all died,’ recalls a miraculous survivor of Halabja attack

HALABJA, Kurdistan Region – Omed Hama is one of just a few survivors out of a truck packed full of people fleeing the chemical attack on Halabja three decades ago.

He was assumed dead, but was miraculously found alive and received treatment in Iran following the attack.

Images of him being interviewed by local media in Iran show him receiving treatment in a makeshift hospital just across the border from his home city.

"We, friends, sisters and brothers, were in a pickup truck when we were gassed," Hama told a TV station at the time.

"They all died. My friend and I were screaming among the dead bodies in the truck. But there was no one to help."

He lost his family in the attack and now is working at the city's genocide memorial telling visitors about this dark page in the city's history.

A replica of the truck is on display in the museum. It is believed that only 5 to 7 people survived out 40 who were in the truck.