Story perspectives

Turkey to gradually hand over Bashiqa-Zilkan base to Iraq

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 2:51 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Turkey and Iraq will gradually hand over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base in northern Iraq to Baghdad.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced the deal on UN General Assembly sidelines in New York.
An Iraqi military commander said the phased withdrawal could finish by the end of 2026.
The leaders also agreed to fully restore Iraqi state authority in Sinjar and end outlawed foreign armed groups.

History

Historical Context

The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began on 20 March 2003, deploying about 200,000 coalition troops and toppling Saddam Hussein. The war’s aftermath created a security vacuum that drew regional forces, including Turkish units. In 2024, President Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi signed a UN-backed pact to pull Turkish troops out, restoring Baghdad’s sovereignty.

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Story summary

Turkey and Iraq will gradually hand over the Bashiqa-Zilkan base in northern Iraq to Baghdad.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced the deal on UN General Assembly sidelines in New York.
An Iraqi military commander said the phased withdrawal could finish by the end of 2026.
The leaders also agreed to fully restore Iraqi state authority in Sinjar and end outlawed foreign armed groups.

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