Kurdish leaders on Monday expressed their condolences on the passing of Colonel Richard Naab, who was involved in Operation Provide Comfort (OPC) in 1991 to help the Kurds fleeing the Iraqi army, and who had built a strong relation with the Kurds.
“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,” Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani posted on X.
“Condolences to his family and friends. His compassion and leadership will never be forgotten.”
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.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) November 3, 2025
Condolences to his family and friends. His compassion and leadership will never be forgotten.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani wrote that he was deeply saddened by the passing of Colonel Naab, describing him as a true friend of the Kurdistan Region. “We will always remember his service, friendship, and unwavering support. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
“From 1991’s OPC until his death, he stood by our nation with loyalty and honor,” KRG Department of Foreign Relations Head Safeen Dizayee posted on X, adding that Naab was a “brilliant U.S. officer, a great human being and a loyal friend of the people of Kurdistan.”
“Dick Naab was with me in ‘91. He lived with the Kurds for 18 months after I left in ‘91. So he is very well respected by the Kurds,” General Jay Garner told the HBO History Makers Series in 2008.
“I learned to love ‘em, respect ‘em, understand that they had a vision for their people. And they’re all pro-US,” Colonel Naab told ABC in 2014.
Shortly after the end of the Gulf War, Colonel Naab retired from the army and worked in the oil industry in the Kurdistan Region, serving as a consultant for the U.S. oil company HKN Energy.
