As part of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) ninth cabinet’s ongoing reform efforts over the past three years, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs has made great progress in modernizing and consolidating the Peshmerga forces of the Kurdistan Region.

Speaking to the Department of Media and Information, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, Colonel Farman Farhad, said the Ministry has successfully addressed the issue of unauthorized and redundant salaries. To date, over 30,000 soldiers and Peshmerga officers are enrolled in the KRG’s direct deposit system and receive their salaries directly into their bank accounts.

Colonel Farhad emphasized the ninth cabinet’s significant investments in training and supporting the Peshmerga forces, in partnership with Coalition forces. More than 60% of Peshmerga forces have participated in formal military training, and the KRG continues to ensure Peshmerga installations are reinforced and properly equipped to combat any threat to Kurdistan Region.

The Deputy Director General also noted that, in coordination with Coalition forces, 20 Peshmerga brigades have been consolidated under the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs and it is expected that all forces in Units 70 and 80 will also be unified by 2023.

The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs - working with both the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs - also recorded 3,018 cases of retirement on the grounds of health, completed military service, and immigration; 1,018 deaths in combat against ISIS terrorists; and 9,646 cases of disability for review.