People block the Iraqi army in Shengal

People from Gir Zerik in southwestern Shengal block the Iraqi army from advancing into their village with a sit-in.

The Iraqi army wants to enter the village of Gir Zerik in southwestern Shengal and is blocked by the population. The crowd, consisting mainly of women, has taken to the streets to protest against the Iraqi military. While doing so, the women shout "Bijî berxwedana Şengalê!" (Long live the resistance of Shengal). More people are said to have set out from surrounding villages to support the protest.

The Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council had announced on Sunday that it would continue resistance to outside intervention until the recognition of an autonomous status and self-government for the Yazidi settlement. With regard to the agreement negotiated in October between Baghdad and Hewlêr (Erbil) on the instructions of the United States and Turkey without the involvement of the Yazidi self-government in October 2020, the autonomous council points to the reactions of the people: The Yazidi community had clearly indicated that the will and interest of the people living in Shengal must be the determining factor in decisions about Shengal. Any exercise of state power must be legitimized by the people. If the interests of the Yazidis are completely undermined, there will be resistance.