**Turkiye Agrees to Gradual Handover of Bashiqa Base to Iraq**
*New York, September 24, 2026* — In a significant development in Turkish-Iraqi relations, Turkiye and Iraq have reached an agreement for the gradual transfer of the Turkish military base located in Bashiqa to the Iraqi government. This announcement was made following a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The agreement marks a pivotal moment in addressing a long-standing point of contention between the two neighboring countries. The Bashiqa base, established by Turkiye in December 2015, was initially set up under an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government to assist in training local forces in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The presence of Turkish troops, which has included up to 600 soldiers, has been a source of tension, with the Iraqi government viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty.
According to a statement released by the Iraqi Prime Minister's office, the two leaders also discussed the importance of establishing full state authority in the Sinjar region, an area that has been a focal point for Turkish military operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkiye and has maintained a presence in the mountainous terrain of northern Iraq.
The agreement aims to eliminate the presence of "outlawed foreign armed elements" in the region, a reference to the PKK, thereby allowing the Iraqi government to assert greater control over Sinjar. This move is seen as part of broader efforts by Baghdad to consolidate state authority in northern Iraq and enhance security along its borders.
In addition to security matters, Erdogan and al-Zaidi agreed to bolster bilateral trade and investment, expedite the implementation of existing agreements, and accelerate key strategic projects, including the Development Road project. This initiative is expected to enhance connectivity and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The decision to transfer the Bashiqa base comes after a period of reduced military operations in Sinjar, following a peace process initiated between Ankara and the PKK in 2025. This development has enabled Iraqi federal authorities to regain control over the border area, setting the stage for improved relations between Turkiye and Iraq.
The agreement reflects a mutual interest in stabilizing the region and enhancing cooperation on various fronts. As both countries navigate their complex relationship, the gradual handover of the Bashiqa base is anticipated to be a critical step toward fostering a more collaborative partnership.
The discussions at the United Nations General Assembly highlight the ongoing diplomatic efforts to address regional security challenges and strengthen economic ties between Turkiye and Iraq. As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how this agreement influences the dynamics of security and governance in northern Iraq.