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Iraq
Fighters from the Shingal Resistance Units (YBS) train in Shingal in November 2020. Photo: Rudaw
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A security force linked to the Shingal Resistance Units (YBS) has asked to be embedded into the federally-controlled forces that will handle security in Shingal (Sinjar) as part of an Erbil-Baghdad deal, a local administrative official has told Rudaw.
The Yezidkhan Asayesh, present in Snune, Giruzer, and downtown Shingal and numbering approximately 700, has asked to come under Iraq's control, Khalil Murad, head of YBS-affiliated Khanasor autonomous administration told Rudaw on Friday.
The Yezidkhan Asayesh are linked to the YBS, who are in turn linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The YBS had until recently stood against the October agreement between Erbil and Baghdad to “normalize” the situation in Shingal.
There have been seven armed forces present in the Yazidi heartland of Shingal since the Islamic State (ISIS) attacked the area in 2014. Tensions between these forces have been part of what has made Shingal's displaced people reluctant to return. Their presence has also hindered the reconstruction of the district, which had been destroyed during the fight against ISIS.
It is not yet clear whether Baghdad will approve the request of the Yezidkhan Protection Forces.
Four brigades of federal police – a total of approximately 8,000 men – have already been deployed to Shingal. More federal forces will be deployed soon, Nineveh governor Najim al-Jabouri told Rudaw on Friday.
Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesperson for Iraq’s Joint Operations Command, told Rudaw on Tuesday that "as per the agreement, all non-official armed groups are going to leave Sinjar (Shingal)."
Shingal residents told Rudaw of varying levels of optimism as the area's security changes hands.
“The situation in Shingal is currently good and there is no threat," teacher Isa Ali told Rudaw. "Things are going very well. There is no security gap.”
Health worker Shirin Shvan said that “the situation in Shingal changes occasionally, like now. However, we as the people of Shingal will remain here no matter who rules it.”
Additional reporting by Tahsin Qasim
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