KRG Interior Ministry Warns Against Unilateral Iraqi Government Actions in Sinjar
In a statement, the ministry criticized Baghdad’s approach to Sinjar without consultation with the KRG, stressing that such measures contradict the agreement signed in October 2020 under United Nations auspices.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Interior Ministry on Tuesday voiced deep concern over unilateral actions and decisions by the Iraqi federal government regarding Sinjar, warning that imposing an unwanted reality on the area would violate the Sinjar Agreement and further complicate the situation.
In a statement, the ministry criticized Baghdad’s approach to Sinjar without consultation with the KRG, stressing that such measures contradict the agreement signed in October 2020 under United Nations auspices.
The ministry also paid tribute to the sacrifices of Peshmerga forces during the liberation of Sinjar and its mountain from the Islamic State (ISIS), stating that 500 Peshmerga fighters were killed and 3,000 others wounded during the operation.
“Sinjar district and Sinjar Mountain were liberated through the blood of 500 martyred and 3,000 wounded heroic Peshmerga. These sacrifices and struggles must be respected,” the statement said.
The ministry warned that imposing an unwanted security and administrative reality outside legitimate institutions would worsen conditions in the area and undermine efforts to normalize the situation.
It stressed that the full implementation of the Sinjar Agreement remains the only viable solution, arguing that it would pave the way for a legitimate administration representing the local population, the resumption of reconstruction efforts, and the restoration of security and stability.
According to the ministry, these measures are essential to enabling hundreds of thousands of displaced Ezidis to return to their ancestral homeland with dignity.
The KRG Interior Ministry called on the federal government to honor the Sinjar Agreement and all political understandings concerning the area's administration, security, and reconstruction.
“If implementing these agreements is difficult, then let them return to the will and wishes of the people of Sinjar, particularly the Ezidis. Let them decide what they prefer and what they want, and let everyone respect and support their choice,” the statement added.
“The stability of the area and the peace of its people must take precedence over all other interests and objectives,” the ministry concluded.