Peshmerga force completes procedures for integration into the ministry

Peshmerga force completes procedures for integration into the ministry

A major Peshmerga force affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has finalized all administrative requirements to integrate into the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to unify all Peshmerga units under a single command structure.

General Najat Ali, commander of Unit 80, confirmed that the dossier has been submitted to the ministry and is awaiting the final signature for official integration. He added that approval from the Command of Region One has also been issued, clearing the way for the unit to join the unified force structure once the final procedures are completed.

Unit 70 Still Completing Final Stages

While Unit 80 is ready for integration, the process for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)-affiliated Unit 70 has not yet been finalized. Unit spokesperson Ahmed Latif stated that the remaining steps are in progress but no specific timeline has been given for completion.

Latif attributed the delays to extensive administrative procedures and the large number of Peshmerga personnel involved, which have slowed the finalization of the integration process.

Unification Aimed at Creating a Single Professional Force

The integration of Unit 80 represents a major advancement toward consolidating all Peshmerga forces under the authority of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. Both Unit 70 and Unit 80 make up the majority of the Peshmerga forces, with over 100,000 troops combined.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has long pursued the unification and depoliticization of the Peshmerga, aiming to build a national, professional force that operates independently from political party structures.

International Support for Peshmerga Reform

The US-led global coalition has supported the KRG’s unification efforts for years, providing military assistance, training programs, and financial support. In September, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to helping reform and modernize the Peshmerga to strengthen the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.

However, the unification process has faced difficulties over the years. Between 2010 and 2013, around 42,000 Peshmerga fighters from both units were unified into 14 brigades, but progress stalled due to political tensions and the outbreak of war against the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014.

Reform Efforts Regain Momentum

A renewed push toward unification began in 2018 with the introduction of a 35-point reform plan developed in coordination with international partners. More recently, Babakir Zebari, former chief of staff of Iraq’s Army and current advisor to the Kurdistan Region’s presidency, stated that the Peshmerga unification process has entered its final phase and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The integration of Unit 80 marks a crucial milestone and signals growing progress toward establishing a unified and fully professional Peshmerga force.