KRG Interior Minister recalls ISIS threat, emphasizes regional security at 2nd day of MEPS24
Minister Ahmed noted "With 18 countries joining the alliance, we – the Peshmerga, Iraqi army, and coalition forces – faced ISIS together. It wasn't easy, especially after five Iraqi army units had fallen, leaving their weapons in ISIS hands."
Nov. 23, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed, speaking at the first panel of day two at the MEPS 2024 forum in Duhok, provided a detailed account of the Kurdistan Region's role in combating ISIS and discussed current security cooperation with Baghdad.
Recalling the pre-2014 period, Ahmed revealed, "While working with the Prime Minister in the Security Council, we had intelligence indicating increased ISIS and Al-Qaeda activity in Syria and along our borders. President Barzani sent a warning letter to Iraqi leaders in Baghdad about the deteriorating situation in Nineveh and Baghdad, but unfortunately, they didn't take these warnings seriously."
The Interior Minister described the rapid fall of Iraqi cities to ISIS, stating, "We watched as city after city fell under ISIS control. They expanded from Salahuddin, Fallujah, and Anbar to Baghdad's outskirts, eventually threatening the Kurdistan Region. However, thanks to our people, the Peshmerga, and the wise leadership of President Barzani and the Prime Minister, who played crucial roles, we stood firm against ISIS."
Ahmed highlighted the formation of the international coalition, noting, "With 18 countries joining the alliance, we – the Peshmerga, Iraqi army, and coalition forces – faced ISIS together. It wasn't easy, especially after five Iraqi army units had fallen, leaving their weapons in ISIS hands."
Emphasizing the Peshmerga's critical role, Ahmed stated, "The Peshmerga began confronting ISIS near Duhok and Erbil. President Obama's decision to form the coalition was crucial, and airstrikes proved highly effective. The Peshmerga were instrumental in stopping ISIS – despite limited weapons, their determination prevailed. While ISIS spread everywhere, they were only truly halted at Kurdistan Region's borders."
Regarding current security cooperation, Ahmed emphasized, "The relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi government on security matters operates at various levels, with good mutual understanding." He added, "Security is indivisible and cannot be separated from international security. We maintain a clear policy, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, of viewing our neighbors' security with equal importance, and we currently enjoy strong relations with the federal government."
The Kurdistan Region played a pivotal role in stopping ISIS's advance in 2014, with the Peshmerga forces serving as a crucial bulwark against the terrorist organization. The region's early warnings about the ISIS threat and subsequent military response, alongside international coalition support, proved decisive in the eventual defeat of ISIS's territorial control. The current security cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad represents a continuation of this joint effort to maintain regional stability.