Turkey to Gradually Handover Bashiqa-Zilkan Military Base to Iraq

What happened
On September 23, 2026, Turkey and Iraq announced the gradual handover of the Bashiqa-Zilkan military base to the Iraqi federal government.
The Context
- Security Cooperation: The agreement is part of a broader initiative to restore Iraqi state authority in Sinjar and eliminate illegal armed groups.
- Historical Tensions: The Bashiqa base has been a point of contention since its establishment in 2015, with up to 600 Turkish troops deployed amid sovereignty disputes.
- Regional Stability: The US has endorsed the agreement, viewing it as beneficial for both Iraqi sovereignty and Turkish security interests.
The Number
This is the approximate number of Turkish soldiers stationed at the Bashiqa base since 2015, highlighting the scale of military presence and its implications for regional security.
Takeaway
As Turkey gradually transfers control of the base, expect increased focus on security measures in Sinjar and potential boosts in trade connectivity.
UAE-based newspaper covering Gulf politics, society, and international developments.
"Gulf News is one of the UAE’s most prominent English-language publications."
— A47 Editor
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...
A curated Gulf News feed featuring major stories across news, business, opinion, and lifestyle.
"Gulf News is a major UAE newspaper whose featured stories feed reflects a broad editorial mix shaped for a Gulf audience."
— A47 Editor
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...
Global news coverage with extensive reporting on Middle Eastern conflicts and geopolitics.
"Al Jazeera is a Qatar-based broadcaster known for wide regional coverage and alternative perspectives."
— A47 Editor
Turkiye agrees to gradual handover of Bashiqa base to Iraq
Turkish President Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister al-Zaidi announced an agreement for the gradual handover of the Bashiqa military base from Turkey to Iraq during discussions at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This agreement signifies a ...
European coverage of Middle East politics and security issues.
"France 24 offers international reporting with a European editorial perspective."
— A47 Editor
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...
24/7 international news from a French perspective in multiple languages.
"France 24 is viewed as a globally focused outlet with balanced coverage and a European perspective."
— A47 Editor
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...
Regional coverage and analysis focused on politics, diplomacy, and business across the Middle East.
"Al-Monitor is known for analytical reporting on Middle East politics and policy developments."
— A47 Editor
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...
Regional coverage and analysis focused on politics, diplomacy, and business across the Middle East.
"Al-Monitor is known for analytical reporting on Middle East politics and policy developments."
— A47 Editor
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...