Iraq’s Kurdish forces look to a new era after US withdrawal
Summary
Iraq’s Kurdish forces, called the Peshmerga, are entering a new phase after US-led forces completed their withdrawal from Iraq, ending a 12-year campaign against ISIL. The Kurdish Regional Government unified its armed groups into one national force to better protect the region and support stability in Iraq.Key Facts
- The US announced the end of Operation Inherent Resolve and completed troop withdrawal from Iraq.
- Other international partners also withdrew from Iraq by a September 30 deadline.
- The Kurdish Peshmerga relied heavily on US and coalition support to fight ISIL before the withdrawal.
- The Kurdistan Regional Government merged Kurdish armed factions into a single force for the first time.
- The two main Kurdish parties, the KDP and PUK, combined their militias into this unified Peshmerga force.
- Leaders say unification aims to reduce party influence and improve military and political stability.
- Experts warn challenges remain due to ongoing political disputes and divided commands.
- The Peshmerga claims it is ready to protect Kurdistan and coordinate with Iraqi security forces without foreign help.
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