Iraqi Government Confirms Taking Control of Mount Sinjar from Protection Units and Supports Army Authority

The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces stated that the federal government continues its efforts in reconstructing Sinjar district, compensating victims' families, and accelerating the return of displaced persons to their original homes. He emphasized that the Sinjar issue is an exclusive responsibility of the federal government and security leadership. He noted that specialized committees, following directives from the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief, are working to consolidate weapons under state control. The security measures implemented in Sinjar are operational and military, fully under federal authority, including the integration and organization of protection units into the official armed forces and handing over their positions in Mount Sinjar to the Iraqi army and other military formations according to their duties. The government, in coordination with the local government in Sinjar, continues to address reconstruction, victim compensation, and speeding up the return of displaced people while ending their suffering in camps, aiming for the election of a local government representing the district’s residents according to the law. The government and armed forces reaffirm their commitment to provide all security and administrative capabilities to serve the residents, viewing the empowerment of the army and full control over Mount Sinjar as the fundamental pillar for extending state authority and sovereignty in the district, while remaining open to addressing challenges related to weapon control and managing security elements in line with national interests and applicable laws.