Turkey to Transfer Bashiqa Military Base to Iraq
Turkey announced it will transfer control of the Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to Baghdad, following a meeting between Presidents Erdogan and al‑Zaidi at the UN General Assembly. The move is part of a broader agreement to restore Iraqi state authority in Sinjar and eliminate foreign armed…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On a Wednesday in New York, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss a landmark security agreement. The two leaders confirmed that Turkey will gradually hand over its Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to the Federal Government of Iraq, a move that signals a significant shift in regional dynamics and a step toward fully restoring Iraqi sovereignty in contested areas.
Background of the Bashiqa Base
The Bashiqa base, also known as the Zilkan installation, was established by Turkey in December 2015 with the cooperation of the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). At its peak, Ankara stationed up to 600 troops there, citing the need to counter the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and protect Turkish borders. The presence of Turkish forces in Iraqi territory sparked long‑standing tensions with Baghdad, which viewed the base as a violation of its territorial integrity.
Over the past decade, the PKK has been a central focus of Turkish security policy. In May 2025, the PKK announced its dissolution, followed by a symbolic disarmament ceremony in July 2025 in northern Iraq. These developments created a window for diplomatic engagement between Ankara and Baghdad, culminating in the current agreement.
The Agreement and Its Key Provisions
The joint statement issued by the Turkish presidency and the Iraqi government outlines a phased handover of the Bashiqa-Zilkan base. While the exact timetable remains undisclosed, Ankara pledged to follow an "agreed mechanism and timetable" to transfer control to Iraqi authorities. The agreement also includes a commitment to fully restore Iraqi state authority in Sinjar, a region that has been a flashpoint due to the presence of PKK fighters and other armed groups.
In addition, the deal calls for the elimination of illegal foreign armed elements in Sinjar and the disarmament of Yazidi armed groups, who have previously held weapons in the area. Baghdad announced in early September that Sinjar would come under the full jurisdiction of the federal government, marking a critical step toward stabilizing the region.
Reactions from International Stakeholders
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack welcomed the agreement, emphasizing its importance for regional security. In a statement on X, Barrack noted that the handover "stitches quietly into the fabric of Iraqi sovereignty and Turkish security," underscoring the strategic value of the deal for both nations.
Within Turkey, President Erdogan highlighted the success of Turkish forces in trapping PKK elements in Iraq and Syria, asserting that the military’s presence had been instrumental in countering insurgent threats. The announcement was met with cautious optimism in Iraq, where many view the handover as a positive move toward consolidating federal control over contested territories.
Implications for Regional Stability
The transfer of the Bashiqa base is expected to reduce friction between Ankara and Baghdad, potentially opening the door for further cooperation on counterterrorism and border security. By removing a foreign military presence from Iraqi soil, the agreement could also ease the administrative burden on Iraqi security forces and facilitate the deployment of federal troops in Sinjar and surrounding areas.
Moreover, the deal signals a broader shift in Turkey’s foreign policy, as the country moves from a hard‑line stance on Kurdish militancy to a more collaborative approach with its neighbors. This transition may influence future negotiations on other disputed regions, such as the Kurdish areas in Syria and the broader Middle East.
Next Steps and Unresolved Issues
While the handover timetable remains unspecified, both governments have indicated that the process will proceed in accordance with the agreed mechanism. Key questions remain regarding the exact date of transfer, the status of Turkish troops currently stationed at Bashiqa, and the logistical arrangements for handing over equipment and infrastructure.
Additionally, the broader implementation of the agreement will require coordination with local Kurdish authorities and the Yazidi community to ensure a smooth transition of power and security responsibilities. The Iraqi government will need to establish a robust administrative framework to manage the newly restored territories and prevent any resurgence of armed groups.
As the world watches the unfolding of this agreement, the international community will likely assess its impact on the fight against terrorism, the stability of the Kurdish region, and the future of Turkish‑Iraqi relations.
Key facts
- Turkey will transfer its Bashiqa base to Iraq in a phased handover.
- The agreement was confirmed during a meeting between Presidents Erdogan and al‑Zaidi at the UN.
- It includes restoring Iraqi authority in Sinjar and eliminating illegal armed groups.
- The U.S. welcomed the deal as a positive step for regional security.
- Key details such as the exact handover timetable remain undisclosed.
Why it matters
The handover of the Bashiqa base reduces foreign military presence in Iraq, strengthens Iraqi sovereignty, and could pave the way for deeper Turkish‑Iraqi cooperation on security and counterterrorism.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bashiqa base?
The Bashiqa base, also known as the Zilkan installation, is a Turkish military facility located in northern Iraq that was established in 2015 to counter PKK activity.
When will the handover take place?
The exact timetable for the handover has not been specified; it will follow an agreed mechanism and timeline set by both governments.
Why is this significant for Iraq?
It restores Iraqi sovereignty over a contested area, reduces foreign military presence, and supports the federal government’s authority in Sinjar.
What role did the PKK play in this agreement?
The PKK’s dissolution and disarmament in 2025 reduced the threat level, creating a conducive environment for Turkey and Iraq to negotiate the base’s transfer.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Turkey to hand over military base to Iraq”
