Türkiye and Iraq have come to a significant agreement aimed at eliminating the presence of the PKK terrorist group in the vital province of Sinjar. This development is crucial as both nations seek to enhance their security collaboration. The agreement follows a meeting held in New York on September 23, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed various aspects of their bilateral relationship.
Strengthening Security Ties
The joint statement made after the Erdoğan-Zaidi meeting highlights both countries’ commitment to fortifying their security cooperation. It emphasized the need to fully restore state authority in Sinjar and eradicate illegal foreign armed groups. Turkish and Iraqi officials deliberated on comprehensive strategies to tackle these issues, marking a proactive step towards their mutual security goals.
In a notable adjustment, the agreement outlines a gradual transfer of the Turkish military presence from the Bashiqa-Zilkan base to the Iraqi Federal Government. This transition is contingent on the advancements made by Iraqi forces in disarming the PKK. The planned handover demonstrates a shared commitment to enhancing Iraq’s sovereignty while providing a framework for Turkish support during the transition.
Context of the Agreement
The background leading to this agreement is essential to understand its implications. The PKK has long utilized Sinjar as a corridor for operations between Syria and Iraq. Recognized by Baghdad as an illegal entity, PKK activities were officially banned in 2024. Additionally, in August 2024, Türkiye and Iraq established a broader security cooperation mechanism that includes training Iraqi security forces to combat terrorism and organized crime.
This renewed commitment to security cooperation comes as Iraq’s recent measures to disarm the PKK in Sinjar gain momentum. The restoration of state authority in this region could facilitate the complete withdrawal of Turkish troops stationed at the Bashiqa base since 2015. Originally, this deployment was part of an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government to equip local forces in their fight against ISIL, which at times strained relations between Türkiye and Iraq.
Implications for Regional Stability
The New York agreement holds significant implications for regional stability, particularly in the context of Türkiye’s ongoing “terror-free Türkiye” initiative. This project aims to disband the PKK entirely, making cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad essential for its success. By targeting the PKK’s supply routes and operational capabilities from Iraq, both nations aim to contribute to a more secure and stabilized region.
In conclusion, the agreement between Türkiye and Iraq marks a crucial step towards enhanced security cooperation and the elimination of the PKK from Sinjar. With the backing of both leaders, the comprehensive plan also aims at fostering regional stability through intelligence sharing and joint military initiatives. As these changes unfold, the ongoing collaboration between Türkiye and Iraq presents a promising path towards a safer future for both nations.