Protests erupt in Shigur after Iraqi Army clashes with Yezidi Resistance Units

SHIGUR, Iraq — Protests broke out in Shigur (Şengal/Sinjar) following clashes between the Iraqi Army and the Şengal Resistance Units (Yekîneyên Berxwedana Şengalê; YBŞ), which left three fighters injured. Local residents, angered by the attacks, attempted to march toward the regional center but were blocked by Iraqi forces, who closed off roads and fired warning shots to disperse the demonstrators.

On Thursday, the YBŞ issued a statement condemning the violence. The statement reported that five fighters had been captured during the assault, some of whom were injured, tortured, and beaten. The incident was filmed, but the fate of the captured fighters remains unclear.

The statement also criticized the Iraqi Army’s leadership for labeling the detained fighters as terrorists and mercenaries. It emphasized that the YBŞ were instrumental in defending and liberating Shigur from the Islamic State (ISIS) and have since been tasked with maintaining the region’s security.

This is not the first time tensions have flared between the Iraqi Army and the YBŞ. Clashes occurred in May 2022 over control of the region and again in March 2019, highlighting ongoing disputes over authority in the area.