Erbil, Iraq – In a historic and pivotal move aimed at ending a long-standing partisan divide and restructuring the military establishment, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq officially announced on Monday the full unification of the Peshmerga forces. This follows the completion of the merger of Units 70 and 80 under a unified command and control structure officially affiliated with the Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.
Official ceremony in Erbil with high-level international attendance
The official ceremony announcing the unification of the forces commenced in the capital, Erbil, attended by high-ranking officials, including Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Shoresh Ismail. Also in attendance were senior officials and military representatives from the International Coalition against ISIS.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister of the Region, Masrour Barzani, stated: “After long and arduous work, we have reached this historic day of unifying the Peshmerga forces.” He emphasized that the government would continue its efforts to strengthen these forces and enhance their capabilities to safeguard the country’s security and stability. Barzani also highlighted the importance of maintaining effective, joint security coordination between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi federal army, and expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the federal government for its ongoing support of the Region.
Ending the partisan divide and restructuring the two military zones.
Regarding the details of the merger and the new structure, the forces of Units 70 and 80—which were historically and directly affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), respectively—have been placed under the full authority of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. Concurrently, they have been militarily reorganized as “Zone 1” and “Zone 2,” with their headquarters now falling exclusively under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.
The unification plan encompassed comprehensive reforms covering administrative and financial aspects, as well as the development of training, armament, and logistics systems. For his part, the Minister of Peshmerga Affairs, Shoresh Ismail, explained that the operation was carried out in accordance with a precise and well-studied military plan. He also noted that the commands of the two military zones would assume their official duties immediately following this announcement.
A long path of reform and partnership with the Pentagon
It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs launched the first phase of force unification in 2022, and these efforts have now culminated in the final stage. According to the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the new structure comprises two military zone commands and 11 combat divisions—each consisting of three brigades—along with two additional attached infantry brigades. This strategic move is being undertaken as part of the implementation of the joint memorandum of understanding concluded between the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense (the Pentagon).