The massacre targeted Turkmens, in particular males, both children and adults alike, and was organized by security forces affiliated with Saddam Hussein's army.

Following the withdrawal of the Kurdish insurgents an authority gap was present, and forces loyal to Saddam Hussein began to target everyone they suspected of affiliation with the uprisings.

People in Altun Köpru, knowing Saddam Hussein's brutal methods dealing with dissidents, started to flee but a small percentage of mostly Turkmen men decided to stay oblivious of what was waiting them.

[5] Thursday, the 9th day of Ramadan (March 28, 1991), forces loyal to Saddam Hussein began to locate all male citizens of Altun Köpru and round them up.

A commemoration is held at the site of The Martyrs Cemetery each anniversary, that attracts a majority of the residents in Altun Körpu together with high ranking political figures within the Turkmen community.35°45′12″N 44°08′37″E / 35.7533°N 44.1436°E / 35.7533; 44.1436