Comprised of Yazidi members
150 security personnel assigned to protect Yazidi shrines in Sinjar
SINJAR — Yazidi religious leaders in Sinjar announced the approval by the Iraqi government to assign 150 security personnel to protect Yazidi shrines in the region, addressing years of requests. This decision followed Member of Parliament Nayef Khalaf Sido, head of the Yazidi bloc in parliament, securing approval from Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari.
Nasser Jalal, a representative of the Yazidi shrine caretakers, highlighted the longstanding need for security forces to protect Yazidi shrines and temples, especially during religious events and ceremonies. He emphasized, “We have repeatedly called on and pleaded with government officials, but no one responded to our request.”
Jalal specified that the assigned force would consist of members from the Yazidi community itself.
Sinjar is a predominantly Yazidi-populated area located in the western part of Nineveh province in northern Iraq. The Yazidis were subjected to a genocidal campaign by Islamic State groups in 2014.
Yazidi figures are urging the Ninewa Police Chief to expedite the implementation of the transfer decision so that members can begin their new duties.
Warning against potential interference, Jalal concluded, “We warn against attempts by some partisan groups to interfere and push for the cancellation of the transfer decision. If such attempts occur, we will take a different stance against them.” He did not elaborate on the specific parties he referred to as potential obstructers.
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