KRG Minister of Peshmerga meets with coalition forces to discuss key reforms

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Tuesday, the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ministry of Peshmerga, led by Minister Shoresh Ismail, held a significant meeting with the Coalition Forces Military Advisory Team to discuss ongoing reforms within the Peshmerga forces. The meeting was attended by Colonel Rapp Bradsener, the newly appointed head of the advisory team, and Colonel Gavin Rice, who heads the Office of Coordination and Security Cooperation at the US Consulate in Erbil, along with other key members of their delegation.

The Ministry of the Peshmerga has been undergoing a series of reforms aimed at modernizing and streamlining its military capabilities. These reforms, initiated with the assistance of the international Coalition, are part of a broader effort to strengthen the Peshmerga, who have played a crucial role in the fight against ISIS and in maintaining regional security.

During the meeting, Minister Ismail emphasized the importance of these reforms, which include the reorganization of the Peshmerga forces. The Coalition has been a key partner in this process, providing training, equipment, and advisory support to enhance the effectiveness of the Peshmerga. Discussions also focused on the formation and enhancement of specialized teams to further accelerate these reforms, highlighting the collaborative effort between the KRG and Coalition forces.

A major point of concern raised by Minister Ismail was the issue of the 9th Infantry Brigade and several regiments that had been deprived of a monthly grant by the Coalition. This financial support is critical for the operational readiness of these units, and Minister Ismail urged Coalition representatives to cooperate in resolving this issue to ensure that the grants reach these military formations in the coming months.

The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Peshmerga forces, which are seen as a pillar of stability in the Kurdistan Region. Collaboration between the KRG and the Coalition is vital for maintaining security, particularly as the region continues to face challenges from remnants of ISIS and other security threats.

Today, August 13, 2024, we supervised an important meeting between the Ministry of Peshmerga and the Coalition Forces Military Advisory Team, attended by Colonel Rapp Bradsener, the new head of the team, and Colonel Gavin Rice, head of the Office of Coordination and Security… pic.twitter.com/lraVj36UZt

— Shoresh Ismail (@Shoreshismail) August 13, 2024