Turkey to hand Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq back to Baghdad

Turkey will gradually transfer control of its Bashiqa military base in northern Iraq to the government in Baghdad, the two countries announced on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward resolving a long-running source of friction between the neighbouring states.

The handover is intended to strengthen Iraqi state authority over its own territory, an issue that has been a persistent point of contention since Turkish forces established a presence at the base. Both governments indicated the transfer would be carried out in stages rather than as an immediate withdrawal.

The agreement signals a notable shift in relations between Ankara and Baghdad, as Iraq has long pressed for greater sovereignty over areas where foreign military forces operate on its soil.