The Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) Command issued a written statement on the attack from Kirkuk to Shengal by the Iraqi army and the Hashd al-Shaabi forces. The statement stressed that the issues of the people of Shengal can only be resolved through a consensus and dialogue and that the YBŞ-YJŞ forces keep their current position.

The YBŞ Command said they make a point of not fighting any forces that are not aggressive towards them, but “whoever has their eye on these lands, will meet the great resistance of the people.”

YBŞ Command statement is as follows:

“We the YBŞ and YJŞ forces have acted as the self defense forces of our people after the genocide in 2014 and have defended Shengal at the cost of martyrs and strife. We have made a point of not fighting with any force that hasn’t been aggressive towards us.

“WE WILL DEFEND OUR SACRED LANDS”

We as the YBŞ and YJŞ forces keep our current position. Our positions are set up the same. There hasn’t been a change in that area. Like we defended our sacred lands against the invading ISIS gangs during the genocide, we will defend them with our people again today with the same resolve.

We have always been working towards resolving all issues through dialogue and democratic reconciliation. We believe the problems of the people of Shengal can also be resolved through a consensus and dialogue.

“ONLY THE ÊZIDÎ PEOPLE HAVE A SAY ON THE FUTURE OF SHENGAL”

But, whoever sets their sights on these lands liberated at great cost of martyrs and strife will be met with the great resistance of the people. Only the free will of the Êzidî people has a say in the future of Shengal. We will defend this will at any cost tomorrow like we did yesterday.

Our people who have not thought twice about the price they have had to pay in the face of hardship of all kinds will continue to act together with the YBŞ to establish their free and democratic future.”