Iraqi Army sets up new military positions in Shengal

The Iraqi army is seeking to establish military positions in the town of Sinune in Shengal without prior coordination with the Êzidxan Asayish forces, following threats made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan against Shengal.

22 February, 2026 22:59

NEWS DESK

Today, Iraqi army forces moved toward the town of Sinune along the Wadi Kers road in Shingal to set up new military sites without prior coordination with the Êzidxan Asayish forces. The move comes in the wake of threats issued by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan against the Yazidis in Shengal.

According to local sources, Iraqi forces arrived at approximately 3:00 p.m. at the Martyr Kinjo checkpoint, using bulldozers and heavy equipment, in a step that has raised fears of renewed tensions.

It is worth noting that the Martyr Kinjo checkpoint was established in 2017 and has been jointly administered by the Yazidi Asayish and the Federal Police without significant issues until now.

Although Baghdad verbally rejected Fidan’s statements, the recent military movements have been viewed as an attempt to stir discord, especially in light of calls by the Shengal Autonomous Administration — in a statement issued on February 20 — to resolve the issue through dialogue and the Iraqi constitution, away from military means.

These developments come at a time when diplomatic initiatives are being proposed to resolve the Shengal crisis, raising concerns that field movements could ignite a new conflict in the region.

ANHA