Sema
Vian Dakhil warned that the continuation of such violence will only deepen the region’s humanitarian crisis.
Iraqi parliament member Vian Dakhil has urged the Iraqi Parliament to hold an emergency session to address the recent violent clashes in Sinjar (Shingal), which erupted between the Iraqi military and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)-affiliated Sinjar Protection Units (YBS).
Dakhil issued a statement expressing deep concern over the escalating violence that left multiple casualties, including injuries among Iraqi soldiers. She emphasized that the ongoing instability is severely impacting the region, further exacerbating the suffering of displaced residents.
“On the night of March 18, armed confrontations broke out in Shingal between Iraqi military forces and YBS fighters,” Dakhil stated. “This alarming incident underscores the persistent lack of security and the heightened threats faced by the people of Shingal, who continue to endure displacement and destruction.”
Dakhil urged Parliament to summon Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and security officials for an urgent session to discuss the deteriorating situation. She stressed the need for immediate measures to restore stability, protect civilians, and prevent further escalation.
“The people of Shingal have already paid a heavy price due to previous conflicts,” she added. “They now need reconstruction, the return of displaced families, and the establishment of a secure and stable environment — not more violence and destruction.”
Ultimatum and Rising Tensions
The recent clashes escalated after Iraqi police arrested five YBS members. In response, the YBS issued an ultimatum demanding their immediate release within 24 hours, threatening further violence if their demands were not met.
The conflict has resulted in injuries on both sides, with five Iraqi police officers and three YBS fighters wounded, one of them critically. Tensions remain high as both sides prepare for further confrontation.
Adding to the tension, the Nineveh Province investigative court has issued arrest warrants for five PKK members, accusing them of terrorism and the kidnapping of a government employee.
Obstructing Stability and Reconstruction
Despite ongoing efforts to implement the Sinjar Agreement — a deal brokered between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi federal government to stabilize the region — the presence of PKK-affiliated groups like the YBS continues to hinder progress.
The PKK and its affiliated factions have maintained a stronghold in Shingal, complicating the return of thousands of displaced Yezidis who fled during the ISIS onslaught. While these groups claim to protect the Yezidi population, their actions have militarized the region and fueled further instability.
Dakhil warned that the continuation of such violence will only deepen the region’s humanitarian crisis, urging the Iraqi government to assume full responsibility for maintaining security, enforcing the rule of law, and facilitating the safe return of displaced residents.
