Latest news with #MinistryofPeshmerga
Shafaq News
27-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Peshmerga units begin joint drills ahead of merger
Shafaq News – Erbil Kurdistan's Ministry of Peshmerga has launched joint military training exercises for Units 70 and 80 to unify and restructure the Region's security forces. The drills, which began on Sunday in Erbil, mark a key step in merging the two historically separate forces into a centralized structure under the Ministry's command. The ministry aims to reorganize the Peshmerga into two military zones and 11 infantry divisions. This restructuring effort, part of a broader reform initiative supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, seeks to modernize and institutionalize the Kurdish forces. A spokesperson from Unit 80 told Shafaq News that the first integrated military command will be established following the merger. The reform process stems from a 35-point roadmap proposed by Western allies in 2018, which was later approved by the Kurdistan Parliament.
Shafaq News
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Peshmerga, German commanders: Boosting military ties on the table
Shafaq News/ On Monday, the Commander of the Peshmerga's 4th Infantry Division, Zatyar Hassan, met with the Commander of German forces in the Kurdistan Region, Thomas Ritter, to strengthen military ties. The meeting, held at the division's headquarters, was attended by senior officers from both sides. Discussions focused on enhancing 'cooperation and coordination' between the Peshmerga and German forces, as well as reviewing administrative and field developments within the 4th Infantry Division, according to a statement from the Ministry of Peshmerga. The commander of the MoPA 4th Infantry Division received the commander of the #German forces in the #KRI. In the meeting, the cooperation and coordination between the two sides and the latest developments in the affairs of the 4th Division were discussed. — Ministry of Peshmerga (@KRG_MOPE) March 3, 2025
Shafaq News
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Peshmerga Chief, US official discuss military cooperation
Shafaq News/ Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Peshmerga, Lieutenant General, Issa Ozeir, met with the head of the Security Cooperation Office at the US Consulate General in Erbil, Colonel Gavin Rice, to discuss military cooperation and the ongoing unification of Peshmerga forces. According to a statement by the ministry, the talks covered future collaboration, efforts to reorganize Peshmerga units, and a review of progress in the restructuring process. Ozeir emphasized the importance of sustained support from the US-led coalition. Regarding the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Peshmerga and the US Department of Defense, Ozeir reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to restructuring. 'In 2025, another segment of Peshmerga forces will be integrated into new military divisions under a unified command, moving closer to establishing a cohesive national force,' he stated. The Peshmerga, constitutionally recognized as part of Iraq's national defense system since 2005, operate under the Kurdistan Regional Government. However, they remain divided between two main units—70 and 80—aligned with the region's dominant political parties, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The unification project, consisting of 35 key points, was approved by the Kurdistan Parliament in 2018 and is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Peshmerga and representatives from the US, UK, and Germany.
