Coalition Aid to Peshmerga: 40,000 Fighters to Receive Financial Support
The Ministry of Peshmerga emphasized that the International Coalition remains committed to sustaining its military and logistical assistance, reaffirming its support for the Kurdistan Region’s forces in their fight against ISIS.
Feb. 5, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has confirmed the distribution of financial aid provided by the US-led International Coalition to over 40,000 Peshmerga fighters and officers.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the ministry announced that the allocated funds have been deposited into its account.
Following this, the Directorate General of Budget and Programs (Military Accounting) finalized all financial and administrative procedures, ensuring that January’s payments will be distributed on February 6, 2025.
The Ministry of Peshmerga emphasized that the International Coalition remains committed to sustaining its military and logistical assistance, reaffirming its support for the Kurdistan Region’s forces in their fight against ISIS.
Additionally, the ministry reiterated its adherence to the provisions of the memorandum of understanding signed between the KRG and the Coalition, which outlines continued cooperation on security and defense matters.
Kurdistan Region’s Leadership Highlights Counterterrorism Cooperation
During his participation in a forum session at the Middle East Peace and Security (MEPS) Conference 2024, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the importance of the Coalition’s presence in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
PM Barzani stated, "The Coalition forces were deployed at the request of the Iraqi federal government, and I believe the threat of terrorism remains; ISIS still exists in certain areas in a dispersed form."
On Feb. 4, 2025, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held discussions with Major General Kevin Leahy, Commander of the International Coalition forces in Iraq and Syria.
Their meeting focused on regional security, ongoing threats posed by ISIS, and strategies to maintain stability in Iraq and Syria. Both sides reaffirmed the necessity of continued cooperation between the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the Coalition to combat terrorism effectively.
Peshmerga Reform: A Key Priority in US-Kurdistan Relations
On January 14, 2025, the Kurdistan Region held an extensive meeting with a joint US military and diplomatic delegation to discuss the ongoing process of Peshmerga reform and restructuring.
According to a statement from the Kurdistan Region Presidency, both sides reviewed recent progress in the reform process and addressed obstacles hindering further implementation.
The discussions emphasized the importance of resolving challenges to ensure the modernization and unification of Peshmerga forces, strengthening their operational effectiveness in maintaining security across the region.