Turkey and Iraq discuss reducing Turkish military presence in Iraq

Iraq and Turkey are discussing the potential reduction or withdrawal of Turkish military forces from Iraq, contingent upon the disarmament of armed groups, specifically the PKK.

Sabah el-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, stated that discussions are underway regarding the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the Bashika-Zilikan base and the transfer of these bases to Iraqi forces following the disarmament of the PKK. This comes as the Iraqi government accelerates negotiations to disarm various armed groups.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed this stance during a press conference in New York. He noted that as Iraq implements its roadmap to end terrorism and disarm groups, particularly in Sinjar, Turkey will take steps to gradually reduce and eventually terminate its military presence in the region. Fidan emphasized that the Bashika base was originally established at Iraq's invitation for counter-terrorism purposes.