Turkish Forces Begin Phased Withdrawal From Bashiqa Base

Iraq announced on November 9, 2026, that Turkish forces will begin a phased withdrawal from the Bashiqa-Zelikan military camp in northern Nineveh province. The base is expected to be fully transferred to Iraqi security forces by the end of the year.

The decision follows a joint statement issued by both nations on Sunday and stems from understandings reached between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a September meeting in New York. To manage the transition, a joint Iraqi-Turkish security committee has been activated to oversee the handover process.

Türkiye established the base in 2015 to support operations against the Islamic State. While the facility served a strategic military purpose, Iraq has historically viewed the Turkish presence as an infringement on its national sovereignty.