Key Takeaways
- Turkey is gradually withdrawing its troops from the Bashiqa-Zilkan military camp in northern Iraq.
- Turkish forces have been stationed at the strategic base near Mosul since 2015.
- Control of the installation is being transferred directly to the Iraqi government.
According to reporting by Euronews, Turkish military forces are set to gradually withdraw from the strategic Bashiqa-Zilkan camp in northern Iraq, a facility where Ankara has maintained a troop presence since 2015. The agreement entails the step-by-step transfer of control over the military installation back to the sovereign authority of the Iraqi government, following years of regional friction regarding foreign military footprints within Iraqi territory. The base, located near Mosul, has historically served as a focal point for Turkish security operations and regional training initiatives, making its impending handover a notable development in bilateral relations between Ankara and Baghdad. From a broader European and geopolitical perspective, the drawdown aligns with ongoing efforts to stabilise the Middle East and respect national sovereignty principles closely monitored by Brussels and international partners. The European Union has long advocated for diplomatic resolutions to cross-border security disputes in its wider neighbourhood, viewing regional stability in Iraq as a critical component of energy security, trade corridors, and migration management. A lessening of military tensions on the Turkish-Iraqi border could foster a more predictable environment for regional commerce and infrastructure projects, such as the Development Road initiative connecting the Persian Gulf to Europe via Turkey. For citizens, local businesses, and policymakers, the transition of the Bashiqa-Zilkan camp signals a potential normalisation of security cooperation that could enhance trade routes and reduce the risk of localized armed flare-ups in northern Iraq. While a strict timeline for the complete handover has yet to be fully detailed by all participating military commands, regional stakeholders will be closely observing the implementation phases over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition of security responsibilities to Iraqi forces.
Source: Euronews. Read the original report ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Turkish forces first establish a presence at the Bashiqa-Zilkan camp?
Turkish troops have maintained a presence at the camp since 2015.
What is happening to the military base according to the recent announcement?
The base is being gradually handed over and transferred to the control of the Iraqi government.