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    Turkey to Gradually Handover Bashiqa-Zilkan Military Base to Iraq

    Section editor: ·Moderate5 articles covering this·4 news sources·Updated 3 hours ago·MENA
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    A map highlighting the Bashiqa-Zilkan military base and its significance in Turkey-Iraq relations.

    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

    600

    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.

    5 Articles
    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...

    Al Jazeera

    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 ...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    10 hours ago
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    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...

    12 hours ago
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