Armed groups in Sinjar have begun creating instability in what appears to be an attempt to obstruct the restoration of legitimate governance in the district, former Iraqi parliament member Mahma Khalil said on Sunday.

Speaking to BasNews, Khalil accused certain actors of exploiting members of the Yezidi community to advance what he described as “malicious agendas” amid ongoing tensions in the area.

“Some individuals operate under the umbrella of armed groups in Sinjar, and everyone is aware that their intentions are harmful,” Khalil said. “The day will come when the Yezidi people will hold accountable those who misuse the community in Sinjar for their narrow interests.”

Khalil added that armed factions had launched what he called “illegal movements” since Saturday night in an effort to advance political objectives, raising renewed concerns over security and stability in the district.

Sinjar, a predominantly Yezidi region located within Iraq’s disputed territories, has remained a center of political and military competition since the defeat of the Islamic State group. Rival armed factions and competing political interests have repeatedly hindered efforts to restore governance and normalize conditions in the area.

In October 2020, the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government signed the Sinjar Agreement, aimed at restoring stability and strengthening state authority in the district. The agreement included provisions for the removal of non-state armed groups, the appointment of a new local administration, and the deployment of federal security forces.

The deal also sought to create conditions for the safe return of displaced Yezidis and the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged during years of conflict.

Despite those commitments, implementation of the agreement has remained largely stalled because of ongoing political disputes and the continued presence of armed groups, leaving the district vulnerable to recurring tensions and security incidents.