ERBIL () - Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday declared the formal unification of the Peshmerga forces, calling Sept. 21 a “historic day” for Kurdistan while stressing that the milestone represents only the first stage of a broader effort to build a professional, modern and unified national force.
Speaking at the ceremony announcing the completion of the unification process, Prime Minister Barzani said all Peshmerga forces had now been placed under the authority of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and organized within a single military structure covering operations, training, command and control, communications and accounting.
"Today is a historic day for Kurdistan and the Peshmerga,"he said. "It is also a very special day for me personally."
Prime Minister Barzani said Peshmerga unification had been a commitment of the KRG’s Ninth Cabinet from its first day in office.
He said four years of meetings, coordination and sustained work had led to the completion of the process, carried out with the guidance of President Masoud Barzani, the support of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and cooperation from the United States and coalition forces.
"Today, we announce the unification of the Peshmerga forces,"he said, adding that the four-year restructuring process had been completed within the framework of a joint understanding between the KRG and the United States.
Next Phase: Professionalization
Prime Minister Barzani cautioned that completing structural unification was not the end of the reform program.
"This unification represents the first stage and first step in a long-term process,"he said. "As important as this unification is, the next phase is even more important."
That phase, he said, will concentrate on developing Peshmerga capabilities, particularly human capacity, while improving physical and intellectual training in line with international military standards.
The aim is to establish a professional, organized and unified force capable of defending the Kurdistan Region and responding effectively to future security challenges.
Prime Minister Barzani described the Peshmerga as more than a military institution, calling it a symbol of sacrifice and resistance and a source of pride for the people of Kurdistan.
He said the force’s record of defending Kurdistan’s diverse communities, confronting terrorism and supporting freedom, democracy and peaceful coexistence had earned it distinction.
Cooperation With Iraqi Army
Prime Minister Barzani also emphasized the Peshmerga’s constitutional position within Iraq’s defense system and called for stronger cooperation with the Iraqi Army.
He reaffirmed the KRG’s readiness to work with Federal Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces Ali al-Zaidi to deepen military and security coordination.
At the same time, he urged the federal government to ensure the Peshmerga receives the same treatment as Iraqi Army personnel regarding salaries and financial entitlements.
"Under the Constitution, the Peshmerga is part of Iraq’s defense system, and its constitutional rights and financial entitlements must be secured within that framework,"he said.
Above Party Interests
One of the Prime Minister’s clearest messages concerned the relationship between the unified force and political parties.
Prime Minister Barzani acknowledged political and party affiliation as an individual right but said military service required a higher loyalty.
"For the Peshmerga, however, loyalty to the nation and Kurdistan must be the defining principle,"he said.
Peshmerga personnel, he added, must follow the military hierarchy and comply with orders issued through the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs’ chain of command.
"We want the Peshmerga to be a national Kurdistani force that stands above all party and personal interests,"he said.
The force, he stressed, must never be used to resolve internal or partisan disputes. Its fundamental mission should instead remain the defense of Kurdistan’s people and territory without distinction and the preservation of peace and stability.
Prime Minister Barzani thanked Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, Peshmerga Affairs Minister Shorsh Ismail, ministry officials, commanders and Peshmerga personnel for their roles in the process. He also expressed gratitude to the United States and coalition forces for their support.
Closing the ceremony, Prime Minister Barzani congratulated the people of Kurdistan and paid tribute to fallen, wounded, disabled and retired Peshmerga and their families.
"We bow our heads in honor of our martyrs,"he said, concluding with a prayer for the protection of the Peshmerga and Kurdistan.
This story is updated on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 at 11:32am.
