Turkey and Iraq launch joint Sinjar process and Başika-Zilikan handover
The two countries agreed to establish state authority in Sinjar, end PKK presence, transfer the base gradually, and activate a joint security committee.
KEY POINTS
- Turkey and Iraq issued a joint statement on security cooperation
- State authority in Sinjar will be fully established and PKK presence ended
- Başika-Zilikan base will be gradually transferred to the Iraqi Federal Government
- A Joint Security Coordination Committee will be activated to monitor the process
- The decisions follow an agreement reached by the two leaders on September 23, 2026
Turkey and Iraq issued a joint press statement on security cooperation, following an agreement reached by the two countries' leaders on September 23, 2026. The statement said the countries will continue efforts to fully establish state authority in Sinjar and end the PKK's presence in the region.
Turkey will begin the steps required for the gradual transfer of the Başika-Zilikan base to the Iraqi Federal Government. The statement did not provide a detailed timetable or implementation stages for the transfer process.
“The steps taken by the Iraqi authorities so far to fully establish state authority in Sinjar and to end the presence of PKK elements in the region are appreciated.”
The two sides also decided to activate the Joint Security Coordination Committee. The committee is expected to jointly verify and monitor progress in the process to completely end PKK presence in Sinjar.
Iraq's previous steps toward establishing state authority and ending PKK presence in Sinjar were welcomed in the statement. Both countries confirmed their common will to continue these steps.
The statement emphasized the continuation of security cooperation between Turkey and Iraq and the strengthening of central government authority in Sinjar. No detailed schedule for implementing the decisions was shared.
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