Türkiye to Return Bashiqa Base to Iraq in Landmark Security Deal

ANKARA (AP) — Türkiye has agreed to gradually transfer control of its military base in the Bashiqa-Zilkan region back to Iraqi authorities, marking a significant shift in bilateral security relations. The agreement, finalized on Sept. 23, 2026, stipulates that the handover will occur in phases contingent upon Iraq establishing full state authority in Sinjar and removing banned foreign armed groups from the area.

The deal addresses long-standing tensions regarding Türkiye's military footprint in northern Iraq while aiming to unlock economic potential in the region. Under the terms of the accord, Ankara will withdraw its forces from the Bashiqa-Zilkan facility, which has served as a strategic outpost for Turkish operations against Kurdish militant groups for years. In exchange, Baghdad must demonstrate effective governance in Sinjar, a district that has faced instability and security vacuums following the defeat of the Islamic State group.

Türkiye's foreign ministry stated that the withdrawal is designed to accelerate cross-border trade, boost investment, and facilitate the completion of the Development Road project, a major infrastructure initiative intended to connect Iraq with global markets. Officials emphasized that stabilizing Sinjar is a prerequisite for these economic gains, arguing that state authority in the region is essential for securing supply chains and protecting commercial interests.

Iraqi officials welcomed the agreement as a restoration of national sovereignty. The Iraqi government has long sought the removal of foreign military installations within its borders, viewing them as violations of territorial integrity. However, the conditionality attached to the withdrawal highlights the delicate balance required to maintain security in the volatile borderlands. The requirement to expel banned foreign armed groups from Sinjar presents a complex operational challenge for Iraqi security forces, who have struggled to fill the void left by previous conflicts.

The Bashiqa-Zilkan base is located in the Nineveh province, near the city of Mosul, and has been a focal point of military activity since Türkiye launched cross-border operations in the mid-2010s. The gradual nature of the handover suggests that both nations anticipate potential friction during the transition period. Security analysts note that the timeline for removing foreign militias from Sinjar remains undefined, leaving the schedule for the final Turkish withdrawal uncertain.

As negotiations conclude, questions remain regarding the specific mechanisms for monitoring compliance in Sinjar and the exact timeline for the base transfer. Both Ankara and Baghdad have indicated a willingness to maintain close coordination to ensure the agreement holds, but the success of the deal will depend on Iraq's ability to project state power into areas previously dominated by non-state actors. The outcome of this transition could set a precedent for future security arrangements in the broader Middle East region.