Shingal – Shingal is witnessing growing tension due to recent Turkish threats, while the Iraqi government has intensified pressure on the population. This has placed the region at the center of sensitive political and security attention, amid fears of possible escalation and challenges related to the future of local administration and the situation of residents.

In this context, Reham Hassan, a member of the Coordination of the Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement, assessed the latest developments in the region. She began her remarks by extending greetings on the first anniversary of the Call for Peace and Democratic Society launched by Abdullah Öcalan.

She explained that Öcalan had called on February 27, 2025, for strengthening peace among different components of society, and she considered that thanks to his vision, they are now able to confront the attacks targeting Shingal.

She also noted that he had previously warned of the dangers facing the region, describing the attacks on Rojava as a second conspiracy, and cautioning that the targeting could extend to Shingal and Makhmour.

 

A Plan Targeting Shingal

Hassan stated that Shingal is going through a phase of siege and increasing pressure, pointing to Turkish threats aimed at implementing plans against the region. She emphasized that Shingal is no longer merely a geographical area but has become a symbol of dignity for the Yazidis, where a collective will was formed and the land was mixed with the blood of hundreds who sacrificed their lives.

She stressed that the history of the Yazidi community is rich with figures of resistance, and that the current protection forces draw upon their legacy through the formation of security and organizational units seeking to protect society and strengthen its resilience. She underlined that a solid will has been established in Shingal, grounded in Öcalan’s thought, and that no force can erase it.

She referenced the establishment of the Shingal Resistance Units (YBŞ), the Women’s Protection Units of Shingal (YJŞ), and Asayish Ezidikhan, alongside other institutions and organizations formed to defend the community.

 

“Policies Aligned with Ankara”

Reham Hassan believes that certain parties within the Iraqi government are seeking to implement agendas aligned with Turkish policies, through ongoing meetings and coordinated actions. She stated that alongside Turkish state threats, the Iraqi government is attempting to undermine the will that has emerged in Shingal and is exerting daily pressure on the Yazidi community.

She argued that the pressures imposed on Shingal aim to weaken the will that formed after the defeat of ISIS. She added that the lack of trust in the Iraqi government stems from its failure to officially recognize the genocide, its failure to prosecute ISIS members, and the continued suffering of hundreds of abducted Yazidi women, while efforts are being made to weaken the forces that confronted extremist groups.