Hundreds of Yazidi families fled camps in Duhok and Zakho in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) on Friday, fearing potential attacks following a surge in hate speech. The families, who had been held in the camps by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), abandoned their tents and made their way to Sinjar (Şengal).
The Yazidis reported that hate speech propagated by local imams during Friday sermons, as well as inflammatory content spread by KDP-affiliated news groups on social media, had led them to fear for their safety. Many families, concerned about an imminent attack, have left the camps in search of safety. Some have headed to, and already reached Sinjar, with more families expected to arrive soon.
A traffic jam has built up at the entrance to Sinjar as the Yazidis reach the city. The fleeing families are being received by the Sinjar Autonomous Administration and the Yazidi Asayiş (internal security forces), who are providing assistance and support. The Sinjar Autonomous Administration has previously called on the Iraqi government to take immediate security measures to protect the Yazidis.
The situation at the Fishkhabour (Pêşxabur) border crossing to North and East Syria has also become tense, with reports indicating a large build-up of Yazidis trying to leave the KRI. The Sinjar Autonomous Administration has called for the Fishkhabour crossing to be opened up for Yazidi citizens. However, KDP forces have reportedly blocked Yazidi families attempting to cross into Syria.
The Sinjar Autonomous Administration has also highlighted the role of certain imams in the KRI who have been inciting violence against the Yazidis using false claims and hate speech. The Administration has reiterated its urgent appeal to the Iraqi government to implement security measures necessary to protect Yazidi lives.
