Erbil – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed deep sorrow over the death of retired U.S. Colonel Richard Naab, a longtime supporter of the Kurdish people.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, Barzani stated, “I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Colonel Richard Naab, who served with honor in Operation Provide Comfort and remained a friend of the Kurdistani people thereafter.”
Barzani emphasized Colonel Naab’s enduring commitment to the people of Kurdistan, noting that his service and compassion left a lasting mark on the Region’s modern history. Operation Provide Comfort, carried out in 1991, provided humanitarian aid and protection to Kurds following the Gulf War and the mass exodus that followed Saddam Hussein’s attacks on the Kurdish population.
Colonel Naab, remembered as a man of integrity and courage, helped coordinate the mission that saved hundreds of thousands of lives and laid the foundation for the Kurdistan Region’s path toward stability and self-governance.
Leaders and citizens across Kurdistan have paid tribute to Naab’s legacy, expressing gratitude for his friendship and unwavering support.