Yezidi Women's Union in Rojava warns against dangerous plots in Shengal

The Union issued a statement regarding the policies targeting the people of Shengal, as well as the efforts to undermine the Autonomous Administration and Yezidi resistance in the region.

Shengal is witnessing an escalation of military and intelligence movements, with persistent attempts to disarm the Yezidis under the pretext of "restricting weapons to the state," and efforts to target the Yezidi will by discrediting their Autonomous Administration and resistance.

In the statement, the Yezidi Women's Union warned of the dangerous plots against the Yezidis and called for the protection of Shengal and its people.

The statement pointed to Turkish occupation plans and attempts to weaken the Yezidi will and break the organizational model of Shengal.

It also highlighted the grave situation and the necessity to prevent another catastrophe after the Yezidis faced genocide in 2014 by ISIS mercenaries.

The statement reads:

"The Yezidi Women's Union in Rojava is closely following the dangerous developments in Shengal, amid systematic policies being imposed on the Yezidi people, reflecting the ongoing political exclusion and deliberate marginalization of the Yezidis in Iraq.

We affirm that Shengal, which suffered a brutal massacre in 2014 at the hands of ISIS, where crimes of genocide were committed, women were enslaved, and children were abducted, must not again fall prey to political and security schemes that disregard the will of its people and their legitimate right to manage their affairs and protect themselves.

The recent military movements by the Iraqi army, along with attempts to disarm the Yezidi resistance, represent a direct threat to the security and stability of the region, opening the door to chaos and the targeting of our community once again. The weapon of Yezidi resistance has never been an instrument of aggression but has always been a legitimate means of self-defense to protect the people from genocide, especially after everyone abandoned them in their darkest hours.

We also warn that these policies are part of Turkish occupation plans targeting Shengal and its surroundings, aiming to weaken the Yezidi will and break its organizational model, serving expansionist agendas that threaten the security and stability of the entire region. Any attack on the self-defense capacity in Shengal directly aids the return of ISIS militants, who remain a real threat, especially with the presence of sleeper cells and suspicious movements in various parts of Iraq.

We, the Yezidi Women's Union in Rojava, emphasize the following:

Our firm rejection of all forms of political exclusion faced by the Yezidis in Iraq, and the demand for their true representation in state institutions and decision-making.

Rejection of any attempt to disarm the Yezidi resistance before ensuring genuine international protection and an internationally recognized Autonomous Administration for the will of the people of Shengal.

Holding the Iraqi government accountable for the protection of the Yezidis and preventing a repeat of the 2014 tragedy.

Calling on the international community and human rights organizations to bear their responsibilities regarding the situation in Shengal and to work to prevent any new catastrophe.

The Yezidi women paid the highest price in the 2014 massacre, and we will not accept the repetition of this tragedy in any new political or military form. The security and stability of Shengal are tied to respecting the will of its people, their right to self-defense, and ensuring that the forces of terrorism and occupation do not return to their land."

ANHA