Türkiye is set to transfer control of its military base in Bashiqa, located in northern Iraq, to the Iraqi government. This significant decision was made public by the Turkish presidency in a joint statement with Iraqi officials. The development signals a shifting dynamic in regional security and governance.
Details of the Handover Agreement
In a recent meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed the details of the transition. According to the joint statement, Turkish forces will begin a gradual handover of the Bashiqa-Zilkan base to Iraq’s Federal Government. However, specific timelines for this transfer have yet to be disclosed. This step reflects the progress made by Iraq in implementing essential security measures, which Ankara acknowledges as a critical factor for this agreement.
Reactions to the Handover Decision
The announcement has garnered attention from key international players, including the US. Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Türkiye and a special envoy focused on Syria and Iraq, praised the agreement, noting its historical significance. He remarked that this handover could serve as a thread in the complex geopolitical tapestry, improving both Iraqi sovereignty and Turkish national security. His comments underline the importance of collaboration between the two nations amid ongoing regional challenges.
The Context of Türkiye’s Military Presence
Türkiye established its military base in Bashiqa in December 2015, with the backing of the autonomous Kurdish region in Iraq. Reports suggest that the base has housed up to 600 Turkish soldiers, a presence that has previously raised tensions with Baghdad over issues of sovereignty. Despite accusations from the Iraqi government regarding violations, Türkiye has maintained its military footprint in the region, especially in response to threats from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Broader Implications for Regional Security
The agreement between Türkiye and Iraq also includes plans to enhance state authority in other contested areas, such as Sinjar. Both governments have committed to eliminating the presence of unauthorized foreign armed groups in the region. Notably, prior to this agreement, Türkiye had conducted military operations against PKK fighters in Sinjar. The atmosphere is also shifting as the PKK announced a disbandment process in May 2025, which culminated in a symbolic disarmament ceremony in July 2025.
Baghdad had recently declared that Sinjar would be governed entirely by the federal government, following a pact with Yazidi armed factions to surrender their weapons. These developments point to a more centralized governance effort by Iraq, particularly in regions that have historically seen military and political strife.
This handover of the Bashiqa base and the broader agreements signify a crucial pivot in the relations between Türkiye and Iraq, as both countries work toward enhancing security and restoring sovereignty in contentious areas. As regional dynamics evolve, the cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad could pave the way for a more stable and secure environment in northern Iraq.