The Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly issued a written statement on the withdrawal of Hashd-al Shaabi forces from Shengal. The statement includes the following:

“As the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly, we consider the withdrawal of Hashd-al Shaabi forces from Shengal to be a positive step. After Shengal was invaded by ISIS gangs, a great struggle was waged for the liberation of the land and to make sure the Yazidi society has a will. All institutions necessary for our society to govern itself have since been founded. YBŞ and YJŞ forces played a great role in the liberation of Shengal’s lands with the resistance they displayed every minute. They made a great sacrifice.

In May 2017, 13 of our villages were liberated by Hashd-al Shaabi forces. Undoubtedly, we will not forget their labor and we thank them. But in these village under Hashd-al Shaabi control, conditions for living for our people were not able to be provided. Because the opportunity to return for the people who previously lived in these villages were not there.

As the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly, we are calling on all our people to create unity and be hopeful. That can only happen through alliances. We are the ones who own these lands and will again protect these lands. Thus, we must never tie our hopes to the outside world.”

The statement continued with the following call: “As the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly, we are calling on the Iraqi government, the UN and international human rights organizations. Clear our villages of the remnants of ISIS so our people can once again return to sacred Êzidxan (Yazidi land). We as the assembly are ready to do whatever is necessary for that.”