The Turkish Defence Ministry has announced that it has begun the process of handing over the Bashiqa military base to Iraqi authorities. The base, which has been used by Turkish forces since 2015, will be transferred in a gradual process, with a timeline agreed upon by both Turkey and Iraq. According to the ministry, the handover is a result of the progress made by the Iraqi government in establishing security and state authority in the Sinjar region.
The Bashiqa base, also known as the Zilkan military complex, has been a key location for Turkish military operations in northern Iraq. The base was used as a staging ground for Turkish military interventions in the region, particularly in the fight against Kurdish militant groups. The Turkish Defence Ministry stated that the decision to hand over the base was made in light of the improved security situation in Sinjar, which has been a major hub for military operations in recent years.
The handover process will not be completed in a single transaction, with the ministry indicating that it will be carried out in a series of steps. While no specific timeline has been provided, the ministry emphasized that the transfer will be carried out in accordance with an agreed-upon mechanism and schedule. The gradual handover is seen as a significant development in the normalization of relations between Turkey and Iraq.
Despite the handover of the Bashiqa base, Turkey has pledged to continue providing military support to Iraq. The Turkish Defence Ministry stated that it will maintain its military cooperation with Iraq, including training and capacity-building programs. This cooperation will focus on enhancing Iraq's military capabilities, as well as joint efforts to combat terrorism and develop Iraq's defence industries.
The decision to hand over the Bashiqa base has been seen as a positive step towards improving relations between Turkey and Iraq. The two countries have had a complex relationship in recent years, with tensions rising over issues such as military intervention, Kurdish autonomy, and economic cooperation. The handover is expected to contribute to a reduction in tensions and an improvement in bilateral relations.
The Turkish Defence Ministry's announcement has been welcomed by Iraqi officials, who have expressed their appreciation for Turkey's cooperation. The handover is seen as a significant development in the normalization of relations between the two countries, and is expected to contribute to regional stability. The Iraqi government has been working to reassert its authority in the Sinjar region, which has been a major hub for military operations in recent years.
The gradual handover of the Bashiqa base marks a significant shift in Turkey's military presence in northern Iraq. The transfer is expected to be completed in accordance with an agreed-upon timeline, with Turkey maintaining its military cooperation with Iraq. The handover is seen as a positive development in the normalization of relations between Turkey and Iraq, and is expected to contribute to regional stability and security.
Key points
- Turkey begins gradual handover of Bashiqa military base to Iraqi authorities
- Handover process to be completed in a series of steps, with timeline agreed upon by both countries
- Turkey pledges to continue providing military support to Iraq after handover of base
