The Peshmerga, Kurdish forces known for their resilience and strategic expertise, play a crucial role in stabilizing Iraq and combating regional extremism despite facing resource and political challenges.

During a recent visit to Iraqi Kurdistan, I had the opportunity to witness the Peshmerga forces in action along their front lines. These include their strategic positions facing the Iraqi Army and combating active ISIS cells.

My journey began at Brigade 14 headquarters near Dibak, approximately 60 kilometers from Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan. Here, I met Brigadier General Almi Mzuri, a seasoned soldier who previously held senior positions in the Iraqi Army before joining the Peshmerga in 2014 to defend Kurdistan from ISIS onslaughts. General Mzuri’s extensive battlefield experience spans engagements in Baghdad, Fallujah, and Mosul. He explained how his brigade oversees the Makhmour sector, including the Qarachoq mountains, where vigilance remains critical due to persistent ISIS activity.

From Brigade HQ, I traveled to the Peshmerga border posts in the Qarachoq mountains. The sophistication of their defense impressed me. Soldiers conduct round-the-clock manual surveillance, complemented by advanced technologies like HD CCTV cameras with night vision capabilities. Despite lacking heavy weaponry, the Peshmerga’s unwavering determination and high morale underscore their commitment to eradicating ISIS remnants.

A Legacy of Resistance

The Peshmerga, whose name translates to “those who face death,” form the armed forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Their history is steeped in resistance, first against British colonial rule and later against the Iraqi central government. Leveraging the rugged terrain of northern Iraq, they waged effective guerrilla warfare, earning a reputation as formidable fighters against Saddam Hussein’s Republican Guard. These decades of battles fostered a culture of resilience and strategic expertise among the Peshmerga.

In 2014, as the Iraqi military faltered under the ISIS advance, it was the Peshmerga who stepped up, halting and reversing ISIS’s expansion. Their track record extends beyond combat—as a humanitarian force, they provide security for diverse ethnicities and have become integral partners in counterterrorism efforts. Their collaboration with the U.S. during the Iraq invasion of 2003 included critical roles such as aiding in Saddam Hussein’s capture and detaining al-Qaeda operative Hassan Ghul in 2004. Yet, despite their proven effectiveness, the Peshmerga were long denied sophisticated weaponry due to concerns that it might bolster Kurdish aspirations for independence.

Challenges in Resource Allocation

The Iraqi government’s preferential investment in the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) over the Peshmerga reflects a troubling disparity. While the Peshmerga remain committed to Iraq’s stability, the PMF, formed to combat ISIS in 2014, often operates under Iranian influence. The PMF’s arsenal—which includes drones and ballistic missiles—has even been deployed in attacks that risk entangling Iraq in broader regional conflicts, such as the current Israel-Hamas war. In contrast, the Peshmerga work collaboratively with the Iraqi military in disputed territories, addressing security gaps exploited by ISIS and serving as a stabilizing force.

However, Baghdad’s opposition to U.S.-led coalition arms transfers to Erbil hinders the Peshmerga’s ability to effectively counter ISIS and address other threats. Advanced equipment, such as tanks and artillery, remains out of reach. Short-range air defenses, crucial for protecting vital infrastructure like the Khor Mor gas field, are also absent. Strengthening the Peshmerga would enhance Kurdish security and bolster Iraq’s overall stability.

Modernization and Reform

Since 2019, the Peshmerga have undergone significant reforms to unify and modernize their forces. Traditionally divided along party lines, efforts are underway to transform these units into a cohesive professional military under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs. Minister Shoresh Ismail emphasized that unification is essential for gaining international support and advanced weaponry. This transition aims to shed the militia label and position the Peshmerga as a legitimate military force.

Modernization efforts extend to addressing logistical and training gaps, ensuring a comprehensive approach to transforming the Peshmerga into a force capable of addressing contemporary threats. The recognition that unity and professionalism are key to their future has driven these reforms, underscoring the Kurds’ long-term commitment to stability and partnership with the international community.

A Reliable Ally

Kurdistan’s strategic value as a base for the anti-ISIS coalition cannot be overstated. The Peshmerga’s role in stabilizing the region and combating radical Islamist threats has reshaped global perceptions of the Kurds. Once seen as a destabilizing force, they have emerged as indispensable allies. Their contributions have not gone unnoticed; a clear majority of U.S. lawmakers have previously supported direct arms provisions for the Kurds.

It is time for the international community to recognize the Peshmerga’s critical role and provide the support they need. As steadfast allies of the U.S.-led coalition, the Peshmerga deserve the resources necessary to continue their fight against extremism and ensure the stability of a volatile region. Their enduring spirit remains a cornerstone of peace and security in one of the world’s most tumultuous regions.