Chief spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said on Wednesday that organizing and integrating members of the Sinjar Protection Units, along with taking over their positions in Mount Sinjar, fall within the exclusive authority of the federal government. He noted that the positions are being transferred to the Iraqi Army and other military formations.
Al-Numan said specialized committees are continuing efforts to bring all weapons under state control, following directives from Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief Ali Faleh al-Zaidi. He explained that security operations in Sinjar are being conducted under the supervision of the federal government and the relevant security leadership.
He added that the federal government is coordinating with Sinjar’s local administration on reconstruction, compensation for victims’ families, facilitating the return of displaced residents, and ending their suffering in displacement camps. Efforts are also underway to establish an elected local administration in accordance with the law and the wishes of the district’s residents.
Al-Numan stressed that extending the control of the Iraqi Army and other security formations across Sinjar, including its mountainous areas, is a key step toward strengthening state authority, enforcing the rule of law, and safeguarding national sovereignty. He also affirmed the government’s willingness to address challenges concerning weapons control and the integration of security personnel in line with national interests and applicable legislation.
Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Interior Ministry expressed concern on Tuesday over federal arrangements concerning Sinjar, stating that they were being pursued without consultation with the regional government.
On Monday, Iraq’s Security Media Cell announced the launch of procedures to integrate the Sinjar Resistance Units, known as the YBS, into the security forces, alongside the handover of positions in Mount Sinjar.
