"Major progress made in military reform program", KRG Peshmerga Minister stated

Nov. 16, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Saturday, Kurdistan Region's Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, Shorsh Ismail, announced significant progress in the military reform program during his address at the fourth graduating class ceremony at the Qalachwalan Military College.

Speaking to the new officers, KRG Peshmerga Minister Shorsh Ismail emphasized the importance of applying their military training and education to serve the Peshmerga forces. 

He outlined his ministry's main objectives: "Since taking office, our focus has been on institutionalizing the ministry, reorganizing operations, implementing reforms, eliminating corruption and bureaucracy, and above all, building a unified national army to protect Kurdistan against any current or future threats."

The minister revealed that the reform program has achieved substantial progress in restructuring and unifying Peshmerga forces.

"We have successfully implemented a large portion of the reform agenda, organizing forces into two regions and 11 military divisions under the Ministry's direct control," he stated, adding that this reorganization process is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Minister Ismail described these developments as "a historic achievement for the people of Kurdistan," noting that these reforms will elevate the Peshmerga to the status of a unified national force comparable to other military forces in the region.

The Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces have been undergoing a comprehensive modernization and unification process since 2019. The reforms aim to transform traditionally party-affiliated units into a unified professional military force under the direct command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. 

This transformation has received significant support from international coalition partners and is considered crucial for the region's security and defense capabilities.