Overview
Dwekh Nawsha (Kurdish: دەوەخ ناوەشا, meaning “the protection force”) is a Yazidi self‑defence militia that was established in early 2014 in the Sinjar region of Nineveh Governorate, Iraq. The group was formed in response to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the subsequent persecution and genocide of the Yazidi community.
Founding and Objectives
The militia was created by Yazidi community leaders and activists with the primary aim of protecting Yazidi civilians, villages, and religious sites from ISIL attacks. Its formation coincided with the large‑scale displacement of Yazidis following the 2014 Sinjar massacre. Dwekh Nawsha’s stated objectives include:
- Defending Yazidi populations and territory.
- Supporting humanitarian assistance and the return of displaced Yazidis.
- Coordinating with Kurdish Peshmerga forces and other regional security actors against ISIL.
Structure and Membership
Dwekh Nawsha is organized as a volunteer force. Membership consists mainly of Yazidi men from the Sinjar area, with additional recruits drawn from other parts of Iraq and, in some cases, foreign volunteers who expressed solidarity with the Yazidi cause. The militia reportedly adopted a hierarchical command structure, though detailed internal organization remains limited in publicly available sources.
Operations and Alliances
During the height of the conflict with ISIL (2014–2015), Dwekh Nawsha participated in several combat operations alongside the Kurdish Peshmerga, particularly in and around the Sinjar Mountains. The group contributed to the liberation of villages that had been occupied by ISIL and assisted in securing humanitarian corridors for displaced Yazidis.
The militia also engaged in non‑combat activities, such as clearing unexploded ordnance, providing medical aid, and facilitating the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
Foreign Volunteers
Reports from 2015 indicated that a small number of foreign volunteers, including individuals from the United States and Europe, joined Dwekh Nawsha. These volunteers were often motivated by humanitarian concerns and a desire to support the Yazidi community. Their presence was noted by regional media but remained limited in scope.
Status and Current Activities
Following the territorial defeat of ISIL in northern Iraq, Dwekh Nawsha’s role shifted from active combat to community security and reconstruction. The group has continued to operate in the Sinjar region, focusing on:
- Maintaining local security and preventing resurgence of extremist activity.
- Assisting in the return and resettlement of internally displaced Yazidis.
- Collaborating with Iraqi and Kurdish authorities on de‑mining and rebuilding projects.
As of the latest publicly available information (2023), Dwekh Nawsha remains a recognized Yazidi militia but its size and level of activity have reportedly decreased compared to its peak during the ISIL conflict.
References
- International news reports covering the formation of Yazidi militias in 2014–2015.
- Statements released by Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) officials acknowledging collaboration with Yazidi self‑defence forces.
- Academic analyses of minority militias in Iraq’s anti‑ISIL campaigns.
