KRG Announces Full Unification of Peshmerga Forces Under Ministry

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, Shoresh Ismail, announced Thursday the successful completion of the process to fully unify and reorganize the Peshmerga forces under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

Speaking on Thursday, Ismail said in a statement he posted on Facebook that years of continuous effort, joint work within the ministry, and coordination with the commanders of Units 70 and 80 had helped overcome the obstacles and challenges that had previously hindered the unification process.

He said the ministry had mobilized all available resources to advance the national initiative, resulting in the complete integration of Units 70 and 80 through a carefully planned military and strategic process.

Regarding the new military structure, Ismail said that, as part of the fundamental reform of the Peshmerga forces, all units had been reorganized under a unified command and control system at the brigade, division, and regional command levels.

He added that the two regional military commands would officially begin their operations, describing the development as a “historic achievement” that would enable the Kurdistan Region to have a unified and modern army under the direct command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

The minister stressed that the achievement was made possible through the direct and continued support of the Kurdistan Region President, Prime Minister, and Deputy Prime Minister.

Ismail also praised the significant role played by international allies, led by the United States, within the framework of their joint memorandum of understanding.

He called on international partners to continue supporting the unified Kurdistan Peshmerga forces in a new and different manner during the next phase.

The Peshmerga forces are the official military forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government. The term “Peshmerga” translates as “those who face death,” and the force has a history spanning more than a century.

The Peshmerga became a key force in the Kurdish struggle for self-rule during the 20th century and later emerged as an important security partner for the international community.

During the 2003 Iraq War, Peshmerga forces fought alongside US Special Forces and helped secure areas of the Kurdistan Region. They also played a role in operations that contributed to the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

From 2014 to 2017, the Peshmerga became a key ground partner of the US-led Global Coalition in the fight against ISIS. They played a major role in pushing the militant group back from areas across the Kurdistan Region, including during operations to liberate Mosul, suffering nearly 2,000 casualties during the campaign.