Swedish Peshmerga: Europe should wake up

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – I could not just sit down and watch in silence in Norway while Kurdish Peshmerga fight the most dangerous terrorist organization on behalf of the entire world, said a Norwegian Peshmerga fighter on Wednesday.

Karwan and Hemin are Kurds born and raised in Norway who are now fighting extremists on a front line in the southwest of Kirkuk province. Karwan told Kurdistan24 that when he saw Kurdistan Region was under the threat of IS, he knew he could not be an indifferent observer.

“I am aware of the crimes Da’esh have committed against Kurds and the rest of humanity. I wanted to join the forces who fight not only for Kurdistan’s freedom, but also for the entire world,” Karwan added.

Additionally, Karwan emphasized joining Peshmerga was not an easy decision.

"Although Kurds do not have enough weapons, they fight like heroes. They face the death,” he stated.

Along with Karwan and Hemin, fights Jasper Soder who is from their neighboring country, Sweden.

“What motivated me to come to the front line was the global reputation of the brave Peshmerga. Not only Kurdish sons, but also daughters are defeating Da’esh,” Soder said.

He sent a message to Sweden and other European countries about the threat of extremists.“

“I want to tell the European countries, especially Sweden to wake up and help destroy Da’esh. You can’t watch the daily fight against Da’esh from far away and do nothing,” he said.

“If Europe doesn’t stop Da’esh here, their militants will reach Europe and carry out more explosions and attacks.”

Peshmerga Commander in the southwest of Kirkuk Province, Hussein Yazdanpanah, told Kurdistan24 that they plan to create a Peshmerga unit called “Borderless Troops.” 

“The unit is for those who aren’t limited by borders and fight for freedom. It is for the people that come from abroad and fight hand in hand with Peshmerga to destroy the biggest terrorist organization in the world,” Yazdanpanah concluded.

The Kurdistan Region shares over 1,000 kilometers (622 miles) of its border with IS. Peshmerga has been one of the most efficient ground forces in defeating the terrorist group.

However, they continue to suffer the lack of military and financial support from the international community. Kurdish officials often call for more supplies of weapons and ammunition.

Reporting by Hemin Dalo and Mewan Dolamari
Editing by Ava Homa