91. The 1991 Uprising

In 1991, following Saddam Hussein’s defeat in the Kuwait invasion, Shia activists around central and south Iraq launched a rebellion against Saddam’s dictatorial rule.

Within the first two weeks of the uprising, most of Iraq’s cities and provinces fell to the rebels, as they continued towards Baghdad.

However, Saddam’s forces soon launched a counter offensive to reclaim the cities. Despite initially establishing a no-fly zone, the US allowed Saddam to fly helicopters over the south, which allowed Saddam’s army to advance towards the fallen cities due to their airpower.

As a result, the uprising was quelled, and Saddam’s Army entered the city of Karbala where they began to attack the shrine of Imam Husain, where hundreds of people sought refuge. The army began shelling the shrine.

It is reported that Saddam’s son-in-law Hussein Kamel stood in front of the shrine and said “Your name is Hussein and so is mine. Let us see who is stronger now.” He then ordered the army to open fire on the shrine and kill all those inside.

The remnants of the attacks are still visible to those who visit the Shrines. Several destroyed pieces of the Shrines are also present in the Museums inside the complexes.