US Consul General Hails Peshmerga Reforms, Reaffirms US Commitment to Kurdistan Region

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan 24) – The U.S. Consul General in Erbil, Mark Stroh, addressed a ceremony on Tuesday, in which the U.S. military transferred a significant quantity of heavy weapons to the Peshmerga forces.

Read More: US delivers heavy weapons to Peshmerga forces in Kurdistan Region

Stroh spoke highly of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and its reform of the Peshmerga Forces, as he reiterated that the U.S. would continue its support for the Kurdistan Region.

Stroh expressed his regret at leaving the Kurdistan Region, with his appointment ending shortly.

“As my time as Consul General in Erbil comes to a close, unfortunately, I would like to recognize the achievements that the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and its leadership have made in adopting Peshmerga reform efforts,” he said. 

“The establishment and continued development of a nonpartisan, unified, and highly capable Peshmerga is in the security interest of Iraq and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region,” Stroh continued. 

Indeed, the Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, Shoresh Ismail, was present at the ceremony, and he spoke with Kurdistan 24, affirming his commitment to the reform measures. 

“The creation of a unified force remains the aspiration of every Kurdish individual,” Ismail said.

Read More: KRG Peshmerga Minister announces significant progress in the Peshmerga's reform process

Stroh also highlighted Washington’s continued commitment to the security and well-being of the Kurdistan Region.

“Today’s ceremony is just the latest example of the United States’ commitment to working with our security partners to support and strengthen the Peshmerga Forces of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region,” he said.

The Consulate also issued a tweet expressing a similar perspective. “Today we provided important equipment to @KRG_MOPE,” it began, “marking a significant milestone in building the capacity of the @Peshmerga Forces.”

Today we provided important equipment to @KRG_MOPE marking a significant milestone in building the capacity of the #Peshmerga Forces. This weaponry will enhance the Peshmerga Forces’ collective security capabilities to ensure the enduring Iraqi-led defeat of ISIS. pic.twitter.com/XLNVO4Af7n

— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) August 6, 2024

“This weaponry will enhance the Peshmerga Forces’ collective security capabilities to ensure the enduring Iraq-led defeat of ISIS,” it concluded.