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    Turkey and Iraq Finalize Agreement for Bashiqa-Zilkan Military Base Handover

    Section editor: ·Moderate6 articles covering this·5 news sources·Updated 2 hours ago·MENA
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    A map showing the Bashiqa-Zilkan military base location and key details about the handover agreement.

    What happened

    On September 23, 2026, Turkey and Iraq agreed to gradually transfer control of the Bashiqa-Zilkan military base to Iraqi federal authorities.

    The Context

    • Security Cooperation: The deal is part of broader efforts to restore Iraqi state authority in areas like Sinjar and combat outlawed armed groups, including the PKK.
    • Historical Tensions: Turkey established the Bashiqa base in 2015 to train local forces against ISIS, leading to ongoing sovereignty disputes with Baghdad.
    • Regional Stability: The agreement is expected to enhance security cooperation, facilitating joint strategic projects and potentially benefiting Gulf economic corridors.

    The Number

    600

    — This is the maximum number of Turkish soldiers deployed at the Bashiqa base since its establishment, highlighting the scale of military involvement and its implications for regional security.

    Takeaway

    Expect ongoing developments in Iraqi security measures and potential economic collaborations as the handover progresses.

    6 Articles
    Al Jazeera

    Will Turkiye end its military presence in northern Iraq?

    Ankara has agreed to gradually hand over a military base located in Sinjar, northern Iraq, signaling a potential shift in Turkiye's military presence in the region. This decision may reflect changing dynamics in regional security and diplomatic relat...

    11 hours ago
    Read Full Article
    Al Jazeera

    Will Turkiye end its military presence in northern Iraq?

    Ankara has agreed to gradually hand over a military base located in Sinjar, northern Iraq, signaling a potential shift in Turkiye's military presence in the region. This decision may reflect changing dynamics in regional security and diplomatic relat...

    11 hours ago
    Read Full Article
    The National

    Turkey agrees to hand over Bashiqa military camp to Iraq

    Turkey has agreed to gradually hand over the Bashiqa military camp in northern Iraq to the Iraqi government, a decision reached through discussions between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. This transfer is part ...

    Gulf News

    Turkey to hand over military base to Iraq

    Turkey has announced plans to gradually transfer control of its Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to the Iraqi government, a decision made in collaboration with Baghdad. This move is aimed at strengthening the authority of the Iraqi state and ad...

    Gulf News

    Turkey to hand over military base to Iraq

    Turkey has announced plans to gradually transfer control of its Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to the Iraqi government, a decision made in collaboration with Baghdad. This move is aimed at strengthening the authority of the Iraqi state and ad...

    France 24

    Turkey to hand over military base in northern Iraq to Baghdad

    Turkey has announced plans to gradually transfer control of its Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to Baghdad, a decision made in collaboration with the Iraqi government. This move is intended to bolster the authority of the Iraqi state and mitig...

    France 24 Middle East

    Turkey to hand over military base in northern Iraq to Baghdad

    Turkey has announced plans to gradually transfer control of its Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to Baghdad, a decision made in collaboration with the Iraqi government. This move is intended to bolster the authority of the Iraqi state and mitig...

    Al-Monitor

    Turkey and Iraq agree Turkey will turn over military camp in northern Iraq

    Turkey and Iraq have reached an agreement for the gradual handover of a Turkish military camp in northern Iraq to the Iraqi government, following discussions between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the United...

    Al-Monitor

    Turkey agrees to hand over contentious Bashiqa base to Iraq

    Turkey has agreed to gradually hand over the Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to the Iraqi government, a decision aimed at addressing longstanding tensions in Ankara-Baghdad relations. This agreement was reached following discussions between Tu...