Wael Al-Rikabi denies the narrative of the Turkish withdrawal from northern Iraq.

The political analyst Wael Al-Rakabi confirmed on Saturday that Turkey has more than 30 military camps in northern Iraq, established over many years and costing billions of dollars. He warned that Ankara has a project that may push it to take a role as a replacement for the United States in Iraq.

Al-Rakabi stated in a statement reviewed by the News Video Agency that "the Turkish military presence in northern Iraq did not come about by chance, but was solidified over years through the establishment of bases and camps, which reflects the existence of a Turkish project that goes beyond the announced military objectives."

He added that "Iraq must impose its demands on the Turkish side and pressure for the withdrawal of its forces from all bases located within Iraqi territory, not just content with the withdrawal from the Bashiqah base," stressing "the necessity of addressing the reasons that Ankara relies on to justify its continued military presence and ending this presence completely."

Al-Rakabi pointed out that "the Turkish presence in Iraq could shift from military influence to political and economic influence, especially in light of the proposed strategic projects, foremost among them the development road project," warning of "the repercussions of that on the independence of the Iraqi decision."

He indicated that "the concept of sovereignty is not limited to the departure of American forces from the country, but also includes ending the presence of Turkish forces and other foreign troops, as well as ensuring the independence of national decision-making and respecting Iraqi sovereignty in various fields."

Al-Rakabi emphasized "the necessity for the government to impose its authority and sovereignty over all Iraqi territories that have foreign military bases and to handle this file according to a comprehensive national vision that ensures that external presence does not turn into political or economic influence within the country."