Kurdistan Regional Government made some concentrated reconstruction efforts after 2003 in the old town and began rebuilding some of the bombed-out homes in Halabja and paving new roads. A memorial was also constructed for the victims of the chemical attacks. However, residents of Halabja have complained about the continued lack of basic services and necessities. On the 2006 anniversary of the gas attack, violent demonstrations erupted in Halabja. An estimated 7,000 demonstrators protested against priorities in reconstruction, claiming that officials were not sincerely addressing the problems of the gas attack victims. Roadblocks were set up and the gas attack memorial museum was set afire. Police fired at protesters killing one 14-year-old boy and wounding many others. Modern times In 2008, plans were announced to construct an international airport for the city. On 12 November 2017 at 21:18 local time, an earthquake struck approximately south-southwest of Halabja. Climate Halabja has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) with very hot summers and cool wet winters. See also Dujail Human rights in Saddam Hussein's Iraq Operation Red Dawn Trial of Saddam Hussein References External links Iraq Image – Halabja Satellite Observation Cities in Iraqi Kurdistan District capitals of Iraq Districts of Halabja Province 1650 establishments in the Ottoman Empire Populated places established in 1650 Kurdish settlements in Iraq