The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that it has started the gradual handover of the Bashiqa-Zlikān military base east of Mosul to the Iraqi government. This move is in line with a mechanism and timeline agreed upon by both countries. The base has been used by Turkey since 2015 at the request of Iraqi authorities. The handover comes as the Iraqi government has made progress in implementing security measures in the Sinjar region.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense emphasized that the withdrawal is a result of the progress made by the Iraqi government in securing the Sinjar region. Turkey reiterated its commitment to supporting the Iraqi armed forces through bilateral agreements. This support includes military training, exchanging expertise in combating terrorism, and enhancing defense capabilities and industries. The handover of the base is seen as a step towards strengthening Iraq's security and stability.
The Bashiqa-Zlikān base has served as a critical location for Turkish military operations in the region. Since 2015, Turkey has maintained a presence at the base, which is located near Mosul. The withdrawal of Turkish troops from the base is part of a broader effort to adjust Turkey's military presence in Iraq. This adjustment comes as the Iraqi government continues to consolidate its control over the country.
The US Pentagon announced on Wednesday that it has completed its withdrawal from Iraq. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that it had finished the organized withdrawal of troops and equipment from the Al Asad airbase. While the US withdrawal is a separate development, it underscores the changing security landscape in Iraq. The country is working to rebuild and strengthen its military capabilities.
Turkey's decision to withdraw from the Bashiqa-Zlikān base and hand it over to the Iraqi government reflects a shift in the security dynamics of the region. The move is likely to have implications for the fight against terrorism in Iraq and the broader region. Turkey's continued support for the Iraqi military through training and capacity-building efforts is expected to remain a key aspect of bilateral relations.
The handover of the Bashiqa-Zlikān base is a significant development in the normalization of relations between Turkey and Iraq. The two countries have been working to strengthen ties and cooperate on security issues. The gradual withdrawal of Turkish troops from Iraq is part of this effort. The base's handover to the Iraqi government marks a new chapter in the countries' security cooperation.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense did not provide a specific timeline for the complete withdrawal of its troops from Iraq. However, the gradual handover of bases and equipment to the Iraqi government is expected to continue. The development comes as regional security dynamics continue to evolve. Key points include Turkey's continued support for Iraqi military capabilities, the US withdrawal from Iraq, and the handover of the Bashiqa-Zlikān base.
Key points
- Turkey begins withdrawal from Iraq, hands over Bashiqa-Zlikān military base to Iraqi government.
- The handover is part of a broader effort to adjust Turkey's military presence in Iraq.
- Turkey reiterates commitment to supporting Iraqi armed forces through training and capacity-building efforts.
