Peshmerga Minister: 'Full Unification of Forces Will Be Achieved in Upcoming Cabinet'
"Our support will continue because a unified Peshmerga force is necessary to provide stability and peace in the KRI and beyond," said Germany’s Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Shoresh Ismail, the Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Peshmerga, told Kurdistan24 that the unification of the Peshmerga forces will be completed in the upcoming cabinet, with a strong determination to establish a single national military force. He emphasized that this process will be comprehensive, involving all levels to ensure that the Peshmerga becomes a unified national force.
Ismail further explained that cooperation with allies will continue without interruption. He assured that the Peshmerga Ministry is dedicated to ongoing reforms and that a new phase of unification will take place to transform the Peshmerga forces into a single, cohesive national force. He believes this unification will significantly strengthen the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces, ensuring better coordination and more comprehensive support across all aspects of military operations.
Additionally, Ismail revealed that a decision had been made to organize the Peshmerga into 11 brigades, totaling 138,000 personnel. These brigades will include two unified support forces and will be led by two military commanders designated for the different areas of the Kurdistan Region.
This initiative is a crucial step toward modernizing and streamlining the Peshmerga forces, creating a more efficient and powerful military structure. The unification aims to improve internal coordination, enhance defensive capabilities, and provide stronger backing to the Kurdistan Region's security efforts.
In support of the unification efforts, Germany’s Ambassador to Iraq, Christiane Hohmann, reaffirmed her country's ongoing commitment to the Peshmerga forces. Speaking to Kurdistan24 English last Thursday, Ambassador Hohmann stated: "The unification of the Peshmerga forces is crucial to building a unified KRI. We share the assessment of KRG officials: Unification of the Peshmerga forces is not yet achieved. Together with our international partners, Germany has contributed significantly to the unification process through capacity-building and training courses. We have also provided equipment and supported the construction of a Peshmerga Clinic. Our support will continue because a unified Peshmerga force is necessary to provide stability and peace in the KRI and beyond."
