Kurdistan speeds Peshmerga unification as partners expands funding and training, underscoring the force’s recognized, internationally backed role
The advisor to the Kurdistan Region’s President for Military Affairs indicated that an important phase of Peshmerga unification has begun.
The Kurdistan Peshmerga Force, like other military forces, has viewed advanced military standards and international military training as essential. Those training courses have been organized by partners, and guidance, and the coalition budget for the Peshmerga will continue. This is an important step for the Kurdistan Region. As is noted, within the U.S. Defense Budget Act framework, decisions are also made regarding that budget and those trainings for the Peshmerga force.
Babakr Zebari, the Kurdistan Region President’s Advisor for Military Affairs, told The Kurdish Globe: “The coalition’s financial assistance decision for the Peshmerga will continue next year, and within the U.S. defense budget framework this has been guaranteed and will remain guaranteed going forward, because the Peshmerga force is a vital need for the region. The new plan now is to provide training and guidance to the Peshmerga with strength. The future plan starts when the Peshmerga are fully unified into a single, unified Peshmerga force from four sectors. Now all brigades are nearly finished, and divisions are nearing completion. With that completion, the type of training, guidance, and assistance will also change.”
He added: “With the unification of the Peshmerga force, we expect significant changes—more robust backing from partners for the Peshmerga—because then this force’s duties will be tougher and more professional, especially in protecting the region.”
Lt. Gen. Aziz Waisi, commander of the Zeravani Peshmerga Command, told The Kurdish Globe on this matter: “The Peshmerga is an international and recognized force. The Peshmerga have not fought only for Kurds and Kurdistan, nor do they operate only in Iraq. Rather, within the framework of an Iraqi force, the Peshmerga has been a force able to fight—before all other forces in the world—for humanity and the protection of humanity. This is not said to flatter the Peshmerga. In Paris, a Peshmerga thoroughfare is being inaugurated; this name will remain permanently. That is, even if one day the system changes, they will still say this is Peshmerga Alley. This indicates that this force is known globally and has adhered to international military principles.”
He also said: “The Kurdistan Peshmerga Force has heroically confronted ISIS in the region, and with partners’ assistance they were able to push back terrorist threats in the region. Even now the Peshmerga receives support and training from partners. This shows the force is trusted, and according to the constitution and the law – the Peshmerga is an established force.”
“The world respects the struggle and sacrifices of the Peshmerga,” the Zeravani commander reiterated to The Kurdish Globe. “Countries around the world have continuously assisted and supported the Peshmerga. The Peshmerga is not merely a war-fighting force; rather, the Peshmerga is a guardian of peace, freedom, and democracy. The Peshmerga fights for freedom, democracy, and the entrenchment of human rights. This point is very important for the world, which has a certain perception of the Peshmerga. That is why President Massoud Barzani, in France, emphasized that the Peshmerga safeguards the achievements of Kurdistan that the world is proud of.”
He stated: “The Peshmerga is now a partner of international forces, and the Peshmerga now receives the best global training and guidance. Therefore, more work must be done; we must all cooperate and, in light of the guidelines, defend Kurdistan and uphold the name of the Peshmerga.”
At the same time, in a statement issued on September 1, 2025, the head of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Consulate General announced that their support for the Peshmerga forces will continue in order to build a strong national military infrastructure.
This came after the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Peshmerga announced that Shorsh Ismail, the Minister of Peshmerga, and Colonel Dick Pylewick, head of the Security Cooperation Office at the U.S. Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region, discussed the latest regional developments, the reform process within the Peshmerga forces, and the establishment of two military leadership zones and infantry divisions within the Ministry of Peshmerga.
The Ministry of Peshmerga indicated that Shorsh Ismail emphasized the reform process is ongoing, efforts to advance the reforms have intensified, and there is assurance that the United States and partners will continue supporting Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces. He also noted the need for more assistance and support from coalition forces, especially the United States.
It was also announced that Colonel Dick Pylewick expressed satisfaction with the progress of reforms within the Peshmerga forces and stated they will continue cooperating with the Ministry of Peshmerga to build a strong national military infrastructure and to achieve the reform process’s goals.