'Our Security Partnership Has Significantly Contributed to Safety of the U.S. and Kurdistan Region,' U.S. CG

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States is intensifying efforts to create a unified Kurdish military structure by integrating Peshmerga Forces under the centralized command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, US Consul General in Erbil Steve Bitner announced on Thursday in a comprehensive video statement outlining American security priorities in the Kurdistan Region.

"We are working with the Kurdistan Regional Government to integrate the Peshmerga Forces under the command and control of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs to build a professional, unified fighting force," Bitner emphasized, highlighting this institutional reform as a cornerstone of the bilateral security relationship.

The Consul General's remarks underscore Washington's strategic commitment to restructuring Kurdish military capabilities while simultaneously maintaining operational readiness against remaining security threats in the region.

Observers note that this unification effort represents a significant step toward institutionalizing Kurdish defense capabilities within a coherent command structure.

In his address, Bitner stressed that the decade-long security partnership has yielded tangible results in degrading terrorist capabilities throughout Iraq. "Our partnership with the Peshmerga Forces has been instrumental in the fight against ISIS, contributing significantly to the safety and security of the United States and the Kurdistan Region," he stated.

The American diplomat credited the enduring military cooperation with achieving substantial progress against extremist elements. "Together, we have diminished ISIS's operational capabilities in Iraq," Bitner affirmed, while expressing optimism regarding continued security collaboration.

As part of this ongoing partnership, the United States has recently delivered howitzer artillery systems to the Peshmerga Forces, representing the latest development in a comprehensive security assistance package that has included training programs, equipment provisioning, and strategic advisory support since 2014.

"For more than a decade, we have supported the Peshmerga Forces by providing them with the training and equipment necessary to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and to stop terrorist threats," Bitner noted, contextualizing the artillery delivery within the broader security framework.

The Consul General explained the tactical significance of the recently delivered artillery systems, stating, "Our recent delivery of Howitzers to the Peshmerga Forces will be crucial for conducting effective military operations against remaining ISIS threats."

Security specialists observe that howitzer systems provide significant advantages in the complex terrain where ISIS remnants have established hideouts following their territorial defeat. The artillery platforms enable precision strikes against hardened targets while minimizing risk to Kurdish personnel.

Bitner concluded his statement by reaffirming American commitment to the security partnership, stating, "We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to protect our shared interests."