The Shengal (Sinjar) Autonomous Administration issued a written statement regarding threats, destabilization efforts, and attack plans directed at the Yazidi town in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
The statement underlined that Shengal was affected by developments in the Middle East due to its sensitive and strategic position in the region.
“According to the information we have received, new and dirty plans targeting Shengal are on the agenda. Whether implemented militarily or through the activation of extremist sleeper cells, these plans entirely target the stability of the region and the will of our people. In consideration of this important information, we are informing our society, the international public, and our friends about this dangerous situation in line with our moral and humanitarian responsibility, and call on everyone to take action,” it said.
The statement drew attention to threats made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and reported that unusual movements and activity had been observed around Shengal.
The Shengal Autonomous Administration stated that certain individuals serving the interests of the Turkish state were attempting to undermine the region’s security and sow discord among its components.
“As the city of Shengal, which is part of Iraqi territory, we recall that when the state failed to fulfill its duty to defend the Yazidi people, our people assumed this responsibility through their own defense forces and defended their lands. Unfortunately, instead of this resistance force being officially recognized today, a policy of destruction is being imposed on our community, which is unacceptable.”
The Shengal Autonomous Administration reported that they had conveyed their message directly to current Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, and called on the government to take a clear and serious stance against these suspicious initiatives.
The statement emphasized that any military, political, or social development targeting the lives of the people of Shengal would lead to a major catastrophe.
The statement stressed that the Yazidi people, who have not yet healed from the wounds of the genocide in 2014, would not be able to endure a new wave of oppression.
“As the Shengal Autonomous Administration, whose YBŞ, YJŞ, and Asayish forces have paid a heavy price for years to ensure the return of our people and a free life, we reiterate that we are always ready for dialogue in order to resolve problems through legal means. As the Shengal Autonomous Administration, we are prepared to resolve all issues within the framework of law.”
The Shengal Autonomous Administration concluded: “Until now, we have sought to keep our society and the lands of Shengal away from war. However, in the event of the opposite and in the face of any imposed change, we will regard the Iraqi state as the primary responsible party. We call on all actors who seek peace and oppose war to take a stance against these plans; and we call on our people, all political, social, and military forces to act in strong national unity to protect the rights of the Yazidi people and all components in Shengal, and to prevent Shengal from once again being turned into a battlefield.”
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