Shingal-Despite efforts to restore stability to shingal after the genocide committed by ISIS in 2014, any uncoordinated military monment reignites fears that the situation may slip into new tensions.

The district of shingal is witnessing escalating tensions following a series of military movement by the Iraqi army, in the wake of sharp statements made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan days ago,in which he called on Baghdad to take direct action against the the Yazidi forces in the region.

Although the Iraqi goverment officially rejected the Turkish Foreign Minister’s statements,field developments indicate adifferent trajectory on the ground.

According to our agency’s correspondent in the sinuni sub-district,units of the Iraqi army entered the Martyr Kanjo military post yesterday,Sunday,February 22, using bulldozers,and without any prior coordination with the Ezidkhan Security Forces,which have been jointly managing the site with the Federal Police since 2017.

It is believed that the aim of this move is to establish a new military base in a strategic location situated on Tel Qaras hill and on the main road in Shingal.

The Martyr Kanjo post is considered one of the most important security points jointly operated by the Federal Police and Ezidkhan Security. It has maintained security stability throughout the past years without recording any significant disputes or incidents, which makes the recent Iraqi move a cause for concern among the residents of Shingal.

Fears of Creating New Tension in the Region

These developments come at a time when local and international parties are making diplomatic efforts to resolve the Sinjar file through dialogue, especially after years of conflict and destruction caused by the ISIS attack in 2014. However, the recent military movements may reignite tensions, particularly given the sensitivity of the Yazidi presence in the region and the overlap of regional influence between Baghdad and Ankara.

The Mayor of Shinga issued a statement on February 20, calling on the Iraqi government to address the Shingal file within the constitutional framework and away from military solutions. He affirmed the necessity of organizing all forces responsible for protecting the district within Iraqi laws and in an official manner, stressing that any unilateral step could destabilize the fragile stability in the region.

Although Baghdad is trying to maintain a delicate balance between Ankara's pressures and the rights of Yazidis, the recent movements may be interpreted as an attempt to reassure the Turkish side, raising fears that Sinjar could once again become an arena for regional conflict