What's happened
Iraq and Turkey have agreed to fully restore state authority in Sinjar and end the presence of outlawed foreign armed groups. Turkey will gradually hand over bases near Mosul to Iraqi authorities, with a timetable to be set through a mechanism agreed by both sides. The move follows leaders’ talks at the UN General Assembly in New York.
What's behind the headline?
Context and implications
- The move signals a consolidation of Iraqi sovereignty over Sinjar, a region long contested between Baghdad, the KRG, and Turkish security operations.
- The bases at Bashiqa and Zelikan/Bashiqa-Zilkan have been flashpoints since 2015, with Ankara arguing its presence supports regional security and Baghdad accusing it of sovereignty violations.
- A phased handover could reshape security dynamics in northern Iraq, potentially easing tensions but also risking instability if militias or PKK residual elements resist.
- Economically, the commitment to speed up trade and strategic projects suggests a broader normalization of relations, though execution will depend on both sides meeting agreed milestones.
- For residents, the shift could affect security guarantees and governance in Sinjar, where Yazidi communities have sought protection and return of state institutions.
Outlook: The timeline remains unclear; the next steps will hinge on the mechanism agreed by both governments and on how quickly authorities can establish full state presence in Sinjar.
How we got here
The agreement comes after years of Turkish military presence in northern Iraq to train local forces against ISIS and Kurdish militants. Baghdad has sought to consolidate federal authority over Sinjar and other northern flashpoints, while regional cooperation with Ankara has focused on trade and security along their shared border.
Our analysis
Al Jazeera reports that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Turkish President Erdogan agreed to fully establish state authority in Sinjar and to end the presence of illegal foreign armed elements, citing a framework for transferring bases and accelerating joint projects. France 24 notes that Turkey will gradually hand over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base to Baghdad under an agreed timetable, with the US ambassador in Turkey welcoming the move. Arab News describes a phased withdrawal of Turkish troops and emphasizes the aim of restoring Iraqi sovereignty while speeding up signed agreements and strategic projects.
Go deeper
- What are the practical milestones for the handover of Turkish bases?
- How will Sinjar's security arrangements change for local communities?
- What are the alert points if disputes re-emerge along the border?
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