On Monday, Iraqi army units tried to take over control of a check point in the village of Digurê in the Yazidi homeland of Sinjar (Shengal), with the attempt reportedly leading to armed clashes between the Iraqi troops and the local Yazidi security force (Êzidxan Asayish).
According to a report by Roj News, Iraqi troops asked the Yazidi unit to abandon the check point, and the unit refused to comply.
Following reports on the incident, Yazidi groups gathered on Monday evening and crowds of people marched and drove to Digurê in support of the Yazidi security forces.
However the people were prevented from reaching the village by road blocks set up by Iraqi army units.
The incident in Digurê was followed by further clashes in several other places, including Geliyê Şilo, and the village of Sikêniyê.
Tension between the sides continues according to Roj News reports.
It is notable that the Iraqi army’s move to force Yazidi fighters out of a village came right after Turkey launched its latest military incursion into Iraqi Kurdistan.