The Kurdistan region of Iraq has unified its Peshmerga forces under one entity, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. This move was announced on September 21, 2026, during a ceremony in Erbil, attended by high-ranking officials, including Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, and Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the region. The unification aims to strengthen the Peshmerga forces and enhance coordination with the Iraqi military.
According to Nechirvan Barzani, the unification marks the beginning of a new era for the Peshmerga forces, which will now operate under the umbrella of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. He emphasized that this move will help to combat terrorism and defend the country. The President also highlighted the importance of coordinating with the Iraqi military to achieve this goal.
Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, praised the unification, saying it was the result of long and hard work. He stressed that the Peshmerga forces are a constitutional entity and an integral part of Iraq's defense system. The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to developing and strengthening the Peshmerga forces to protect the country.
The unification of the Peshmerga forces is the culmination of a reform process that began several years ago. In 2010-2013, around 42,000 Peshmerga fighters from two rival units were merged into 14 joint brigades. However, the process was delayed due to political differences and the war against ISIS in 2014.
In 2018, the Kurdistan Regional Government, with the support of the international coalition led by the United States, launched a 35-point plan to reform the Peshmerga forces. The first phase of the plan was implemented in 2022, paving the way for the unification of the Peshmerga forces under one ministry.
The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs will oversee the unified forces, which will be responsible for defending the country and combating terrorism. The move is expected to enhance coordination between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi military, and to strengthen the overall security situation in the region.
The unification of the Peshmerga forces marks a significant milestone in the region's efforts to build a more effective and efficient security apparatus. The move is also seen as a key step towards consolidating the region's stability and security, and towards promoting greater cooperation with the Iraqi federal government.
Key points
- The Kurdistan region of Iraq has unified its Peshmerga forces under one entity, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.
- The unification aims to strengthen the Peshmerga forces and enhance coordination with the Iraqi military.
- The move marks a significant milestone in the region's efforts to build a more effective and efficient security apparatus.
