Ankara has agreed to gradually transfer control of a military base in Sinjar to the Iraqi army, marking a potential shift in Turkey’s long-standing military presence in northern Iraq.
For decades, Turkish forces have maintained bases across the region, citing security threats from Kurdish militants. Cross-border operations were routine, and the deployments strained relations with Baghdad.
Under the new agreement reached this week, Turkish troops will withdraw from the Sinjar installation in phases. In return, Baghdad has pledged to address the armed groups that Ankara views as a threat to its national security.
Observers caution that significant hurdles remain, including the timeline for withdrawal, verification mechanisms, and whether Iraqi forces can effectively secure the area against the groups Turkey targets.
