Assyrian Force in Iraq Changes Leadership

Assyrian Force in Iraq Changes Leadership

News and analysis of Assyrian and Assyrian-related issues worldwide.

Soldiers part of the Nineveh Plain Protection Units (NPU) patrol Baghdeda, Iraq in October 2018.

In the hours after the NPU published a statement on Facebook, a message swirled across the internet:

The NPU is restored to its independent status.

The NPU is an Assyrian fighting force, formed in 2014 as locals volunteered to defend their towns from a surging Islamic State invasion.

The group fought alongside the Iraqi Army, Peshmerga forces, and US-led coalition forces to liberate the towns of Tesqopa, Batnaya, Bartella, and Baghdeda.

Following the extremist group's ouster from Iraq in 2017, the NPU remained in place to keep those towns safe as displaced families returned home and ISIS splitter cells hurled repeated attacks.

NPU's presence made a big difference.

Author's summary: Assyrian force changes leadership in Iraq.

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AINA AINA — 2025-10-27

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