Turkey to Gradually Withdraw from Bashiqa Base in Iraq
Turkey and Iraq have agreed that Turkish forces will gradually withdraw from the Bashiqa-Zelikan camp in northern Iraq, handing control to the Iraqi federal government. In return, Iraq pledged to eliminate armed groups it says threaten security, particularly those linked to the PKK, from the Sinjar…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a landmark agreement announced on September 24, 2026, Turkey and Iraq have outlined a phased plan for the Turkish military to withdraw from the Bashiqa‑Zelikan camp in northern Iraq. The base, Turkey’s furthest outpost from its own border, will be handed over to the Iraqi federal government over a set timeline. In exchange, Iraq has pledged to remove armed groups that Turkey views as security threats, particularly those with ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), from the Sinjar region.
Background: Why Bashiqa Matters
Turkey established a presence at Bashiqa in 2015 to support operations against the Islamic State (IS) and to secure the region. The camp sits strategically near the Sinjar mountains, a hotbed of Kurdish militias and PKK affiliates. While Turkey maintains several bases in northern Iraq for counter‑insurgency, Bashiqa has been the most distant from the Turkish border, making its status a long‑standing point of contention between Ankara and Baghdad.
Over the years, Turkey has pressed Iraq to curb the activities of groups it alleges are linked to the PKK, a militant organization that has waged an armed struggle against the Turkish state for decades. The Sinjar Resistance Units (YBŞ), a Yazidi militia with PKK affiliations, played a key role in fighting IS but remains a thorn in Turkey’s side because of its ideological ties to the PKK.
The UN General Assembly Meeting
The agreement was reached after a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Both leaders released a joint statement outlining the terms of the phased withdrawal and Iraq’s commitments.
According to the statement, “in light of the progress Iraq has achieved through security measures, Turkish forces will gradually hand over the Bashiqa‑Zelikan camp to the Iraqi federal government, in accordance with the agreed‑upon mechanism and timeline.” The same document also noted that “the authority of the Iraqi state in Sinjar will be fully extended and the presence of banned foreign armed elements will be ended.”
Key Elements of the Withdrawal Plan
- Phased Transfer: Turkish troops will leave Bashiqa in stages, with the final handover scheduled to coincide with the completion of security operations in the area.
- Timeline: The exact dates for each phase have not been publicly disclosed, but the plan follows a mechanism agreed upon by both governments.
- Security Oversight: Iraqi security forces will gradually assume full control of the base’s facilities and operations.
- Disarmament of PKK‑Linked Groups: Iraq has committed to disbanding the Sinjar Resistance Units and integrating eligible fighters into its own security apparatus.
- Regional Stability: The agreement is part of a broader effort to reduce tensions in northern Iraq, especially as the United States prepares to withdraw its remaining troops by September 30.
Implications for the PKK Conflict
The deal is significant for Turkey’s long‑running peace talks with the PKK. By removing PKK‑affiliated militias from the Sinjar area, Turkey hopes to reduce cross‑border attacks that have plagued its southeastern provinces. The PKK, meanwhile, has agreed to disband its armed wing in the region as part of the broader peace initiative.
Experts note that the success of the withdrawal will hinge on Iraq’s ability to enforce its commitments against armed groups. The Iraqi government has already announced that the YBŞ will disarm, and that fighters will be offered integration into national security forces, a move that could help stabilize the region.
Future Developments and Unresolved Issues
While the agreement marks a major step toward normalizing Turkish presence in Iraq, several questions remain. The exact timeline for the final handover, the mechanisms for monitoring compliance, and the role of international observers have not yet been clarified. Additionally, the broader context of U.S. troop withdrawals and ongoing PKK peace talks adds layers of complexity to the implementation of this deal.
Both governments have signaled that they will monitor the situation closely and adjust the plan as necessary to ensure regional security and stability.
Key facts
- Turkey will gradually withdraw from Bashiqa camp
- Iraq will remove PKK‑linked armed groups from Sinjar
- Agreement reached at UN General Assembly
- Phased transfer guided by agreed timeline
- Success depends on Iraq’s enforcement
- Aligns with U.S. troop withdrawal plans
- Unresolved details remain
Why it matters
The agreement reduces a long‑standing flashpoint between Turkey and Iraq, potentially easing regional tensions and supporting Turkey’s peace efforts with the PKK.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bashiqa‑Zelikan camp?
It is a Turkish military base in northern Iraq established in 2015 to support operations against IS and to secure the region.
Why is the withdrawal significant?
It marks a step toward normalizing Turkish presence in Iraq and reducing tensions linked to the PKK conflict.
What does Iraq promise?
Iraq pledges to eliminate armed groups it considers threats, especially those linked to the PKK, from the Sinjar area.
When will the final handover occur?
The exact dates are not yet public, but the plan follows an agreed mechanism and timeline.
How does this affect the U.S. presence?
The agreement coincides with the U.S. plan to withdraw its remaining troops from northern Iraq by September 30.
Sources
- [1] news18.com
- [2] independent.co.uk
