Tragic Return: Bodies of Channel Disaster Victims Land in Iraq’s Kurdish Region
On Sunday, a plane carrying the bodies of 27 migrants arrived at Erbil International Airport in Iraq’s Kurdish autonomous region. Ambulances quickly transported the coffins to the grieving families’ hometowns.
Emotional scenes captured by Rudaw showed relatives mourning as the bodies were moved from the airport. One mother, Shukriya Bakir, broke down, saying, “The last time I heard my son’s voice was when he got on the boat. He said, ‘Don’t worry Mum, I will reach England shortly’. Now he’s back to me in a coffin.”
Deadliest Channel Crossing Disaster on Record
The November 24 tragedy claimed 27 lives, making it the deadliest involving migrants and refugees crossing the Channel from France to the UK. Among the victims were seven women, a 16-year-old teenager, and a seven-year-old child.
Most victims were Iraqi Kurds – 16 in total – along with an Iranian Kurd, four Afghan men, three Ethiopians, plus Somali and Egyptian nationals. Over the past decade, hundreds of thousands have risked dangerous journeys from war-torn and impoverished countries like Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Sudan, often relying on ruthless smugglers to reach Europe.
Why Are So Many Risking It All?
Despite Iraq being officially at peace since ISIS was defeated in 2017, the country faces soaring unemployment, a failing infrastructure, and widespread corruption. Many Iraqis see no future at home, driving them to attempt perilous journeys abroad.
Meanwhile, the UK has seen a surge in migrant crossings this year, with numbers tripling since 2020. Many flee conflict and poverty, hoping for asylum or a better life. These desperate attempts often involve tiny, unsafe boats crossing the Channel’s treacherous waters.
UK and France Ramp Up Crackdown Amid Rising Tensions
The UK and France have vowed to tighten border security and crack down on smuggling networks. But following the November disaster, diplomatic relations between the two nations have hit a new low as they struggle to cope with the escalating migrant crisis.
