Peshmerga

Template:Short description Template:Pp-extended Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox national military The Peshmerga (Template:Langx)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> are the internal security forces of Kurdistan Region. According to the Constitution of Iraq, regional governments are responsible for "the establishment and organization of the internal security forces for the region such as police, security forces, and guards of the region".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Other Kurdish security agencies include the Zêrevanî (gendarmerie), Asayish (security and counterterrorism service), and the Parastin u Zanyarî (intelligence agency). The Peshmerga's history dates back to the 18th century, when they began as a tribal paramilitary border guard under the Ottoman Turks and the Safavid Kurds. By the 19th century, they had evolved into a disciplined and well-trained guerrilla force.<ref name="Lortz2015">Template:Cite thesis</ref>

Formally, the Peshmerga are under the command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA) of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). In practice, however, the Peshmerga's structure is largely divided and controlled separately by the two Iraqi Kurdish political parties: the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Unifying and integrating the Peshmerga under the MoPA has been on the Kurdistan Region's public agenda since 1992, with significant progress under a 2022 U.S.-KRG Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming for full unification by 2026, though challenges like partisanship and external threats persist.<ref name="CMEC">Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name="OIR2025" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Besides being the official name for the KRG's internal security forces, historically the word Peshmerga has also been used for a variety of Kurdish militas and armed groups. A few examples are the Peshmerga of the KDPI, PAK and Komala.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Etymology

The word "Peshmerga" can be translated to "to stand in front of death",<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>From the Kurdish Template:Lang (Template:Lang) "before" and Template:Lang Template:Lang "death".</ref> and Valentine states it was first used by Qazi Muhammad in the short-lived Mahabad Republic (1946–47).<ref>Valentine, Those Who Face Death, KDP, 2018.</ref> The word is understandable to Persian speakers.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Because, the name was also used to refer to an elite unit within the Sassanid Empire's military, specifically a sub-unit of the Pushtigban, called the Gyan-avspar.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> These warriors were renowned for their unwavering loyalty and bravery, often serving as the last line of defense for the Sassanid kings.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

History

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The Kurdish warrior tradition of rebellion has existed for thousands of years along with aspirations for independence. Early Kurdish warriors fought with and against the various Persian empires, the Ottoman Empire and the British Empire.<ref name="Lortz2015" /><ref>S. R. Valentine, Peshmerga: Those Who Face Death, KDP, 2018, see the introduction and chapter one.</ref>

Mahabad Republic

Kurdish warriors had traditionally operated as guerrilla forces. However, during the brief existence of the self-declared Republic of Mahabad (1946–1947), a contingent led by Mustafa Barzani served as its official military force.<ref name="first mahabad source">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="ma barzani" /> According to Kurdish lore, the leaders of Mahabad gathered to choose a name for their army. As the story goes, they struggled to find a suitable word for 'soldier.' A server, overhearing their discussion, suggested peshmerga, a slang term from his nearby village. The name was adopted, and the force was formally named the Peshmerga.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Furthermore, under Qazi Muhammad’s orders, a committee of “hand-picked litterateurs and writers” also developed distinct Kurdish military terminology to define ranks and positions.<ref name=":21" />

The relative of Simko Shikak, Amr Khan Shikak, along with the tribal leader of Baneh, Hama Rashid, Khan Banei, Zero Beg Herki, and Mustafa Barzani himself, were appointed as “Marshals” of the Peshmerga army by the Minister of War, Mohammed Hossein Saif Qazi. Officers maintained a professional appearance through their Soviet-style uniforms, further advised and organized by the Soviet military officer Captain Salahaddin Kazimov. The Soviets continued their influence by sending at least 60 Kurdish officers to Soviet Azerbaijan for additional military training. The Mahabad army consisted of about 70 officers, 40 non-commissioned officers, and 1,200 privates. As one of the senior commanders, Mustafa Barzani was responsible for appointing officers within the ranks.<ref name=":21" />

In order to protect the republic’s sovereignty, the Peshmerga engaged in their first battle at Qahrawa, near the town of Saqqez. They ambushed a Iranian garrison, killing 21 soldiers, wounding 17, and capturing 40. By mid-May 1946 Kurdish forces numbered approximately 12,750 Peshmerga, but most Kurdish offensives were limited to minor skirmishes.<ref name=":21">Template:Cite journal</ref>

After the fall of the republic and the execution of the head of state, Qazi Muhammad, Peshmerga forces reemerged as guerrilla organizations that would go on to fight the Iranian and Iraqi governments for the remainder of the century.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Iraqi Kurdistan

In Iraq, most of these Peshmerga fighters continued to be led by Mustafa Barzani and his newly established Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).<ref name="ma barzani">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The first major war fought by the Peshmerga in Iraqi Kurdistan was the First Iraqi–Kurdish War, lasting from 1961 until 1970, in which Barzani and his forces fought for independence. The war resulted in the signing of the Iraqi–Kurdish Autonomy Agreement. Kurdish autonomy had failed to be implemented by 1974, which led to the Second Iraqi–Kurdish War in 1975. Jalal Talabani, a leading member of the KDP, left the same year to revitalize the resistance and founded the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). This event created the baseline for the political discontent between the KDP and PUK that divides Peshmerga forces and much of Kurdish society to this day.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

After Mustafa Barzani's death in 1979, his son Masoud Barzani took over his position.<ref name="ma barzani" /> As tension increased between the KDP and PUK, most Peshmerga forces fought to keep Iraqi Kurdistan under their own party's control, whilst also fighting off the Iraqi Army's incursions. Following the First Gulf War and the 1991 uprisings (Raperîn), and subsequent official autonomy for the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdish Civil War broke out, a conflict between the rivaling KDP and PUK parties, in which Peshmerga forces were used to fight against each other.<ref>S. R. Valentine, Peshmerga: Those Who Face Death, KDP, 2018, chapter six.</ref> The civil war officially ended in September 1998 when Barzani and Talabani signed the Washington Agreement establishing a formal peace treaty.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In the agreement, the parties agreed to share oil revenue and power, deny the use of Iraqi Kurdistan to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and to not allow Iraqi troops into the Kurdish regions. By then, around 5,000 Peshmerga and civilians had been killed on both sides, and many more had been evicted for being on the "wrong side".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

2003 invasion of Iraq

Template:See also In the years after, tensions remained high, but both parties came closer to each other, and in 2003 both of them, jointly took part in the overthrowing of the Baathist regime as part of the Iraq War.<ref name="WhoPeshmerga">Profile: Who are the Peshmerga? BBC News. Retrieved 19 December 2014.</ref> The CIA and other US special forces, who arrived in Iraq in early 2002, conducted unconventinal warfare operations with the Peshmerga against Ansal al-Islam terrorists and organized the Peshmerga to form a 'northern Front' against Saddam Hussein's troops.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Peshmerga played a key role in helping the United States on the mission to capture deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

After the overthrowing, the Peshmerga were politically recognized and obtained a special legal position. This improvement came from the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) with issuing orders that recognized the Peshmerga and exempted them from disbandment. In August 2003, parts of the Peshmerga were assigned to border security and oil pipeline protection, while others trained with coalition troops. Peshmerga units collaborated closely with U.S. forces on patrols, interrogations, and security missions. At one point, the Peshmerga made up 30% of the new Iraqi Army.<ref name=":7" />

The Peshmerga were also involved in the broader Global War on Terror. In 2004, they captured Saudi-born Pakistani terrorist Hassan Ghul, who was operating for al-Qaeda in Iraq. Ghul was turned over to American intelligence officers shortly afterwards, which eventually led to the killing of Osama bin Laden in a covert American military operation in Pakistan in 2011.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Valentine, Peshmerga: Those who Face Death, 2018, chapter five.</ref>

Legal status of the Peshmerga

Article 117 of the new 2005 Iraqi Constitution allowed federal regions (such as the Kurdistan Region) to establish their own internal security services; that is, the “police, security forces and guards of the region”. The Peshmerga are legally recognized as one of these permissible regional internal security forces.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite book</ref>

In 2006, a major conference in Erbil, involving the KRG, Iraqi Government, and Multinational Forces in Iraq, further clarified the Peshmerga’s role: defending the Kurdistan Region, supporting federal security efforts, fighting terrorism, and preserving constitutional institutions. This situation remained stable and helped the Peshmerga to reorganise and train its troops in military academies in the Zakho-Duhok area and Qalachulan-Sulaymaniyah area.<ref name=":7">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":12" />

2014 War against the Islamic State

File:Morale High Among Kurdish Fighters on Northern Iraq Frontline.webm

2015 VOA report about Peshmerga fighting IS south of Erbil

In 2014, the Peshmerga and Iraqi Armed Forces withdrew from the Nineveh Plains, which was said by the locals as being a contributing factor of the quick Islamic State victory in the invasion, and the widespread massacre of Yazidis, who were rendered defenseless.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After the retreat and with the capital Erbil, only being 30-minutes away from ISIS' threat, the Peshmerga fought back and recaptured wast territories of the Kirkuk, Nineveh and Diyala Governorates. Special Forces of the Peshmerga were also involved in joint special operations with the U.S. during the war, like in the Hawija prison raid. According to Myles B. Caggins III, the Senior Spokesperson for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS at the time, the Peshmerga made the "ultimate sacrifice" in the War Against the Islamic State with over 1,300 Peshmerga fighters being killed, and upwards of 8,000 being wounded.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As stated by a report of the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the Peshmerga are seen by locals as heroes due to their involvement in the fight against ISIS.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the fall of 2017, however, the Peshmerga suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Iraqi armed forces and lost vast territories due to the 2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Post-2017 reforms and advancements

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Following the defeat of ISIS in 2017, Peshmerga reforms focused on unification and modernization. In September 2022, the U.S. and KRG renewed a MoU to create a unified, nonpartisan force under MoPA command by 2026, including disbanding partisan Units 70 and 80, establishing two Area Commands and 11 light infantry divisions, and achieving a planned strength of 138,000.<ref name="OIR2025" /> By mid-2025, four divisions were operational, biometric enrollment exceeded 85%, and unification entered its final phase, with completion expected by year-end.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Advancements included the 2025 'Peshmerga Medical Force Readiness Initiative' and proposals for air defense systems.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Continued Coalition support via CTEF provided stipends, vehicles, and equipment.<ref name="OIR2025" /> However, progress has been slowed by KDP-PUK division, ISIS' threat, and disputes with the central government in Baghdad.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Structure

Party affiliations

The Peshmerga are mostly divided among forces loyal to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and those loyal to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK),<ref name="Helfont2017">Template:Cite journal</ref> while other, minor Kurdish parties such as the Kurdistan Socialist Democratic Party also have their own small Peshmerga units.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Islamic Movement of Kurdistan also had its own Peshmerga unit, which became an official Peshmerga branch during the Iran-Iraq war, and was disarmed in 2003.<ref>Kurdish Islamists in Iraq from the Muslim Brotherhood to the So-Called Islamic State: Continuity or Departure?, Mohammed Shareef, 2015, pp. 25, Template:ISBN</ref> In daily life and the media, Peshmerga are referred to as Peshmerga i parti (KDP) or Peshmerga i yaketi (PUK) – i.e., KDP peshmerga or PUK Peshmerga.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The KDP and PUK do not disclose information about the composition of their forces with government or media.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> Thus there is no reliable number of how many Peshmerga fighters exist.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> Media outlets have speculated that there are between 150,000 and 200,000 Peshmerga, but this number is highly disputed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Peshmerga are divided into a KDP-governed "yellow" zone covering Dohuk Governorate and Erbil Governorate and a PUK-governed "green" zone covering Sulaymaniyah Governorate and Halabja Governorate.<ref>Chapman, Dennis. Security Forces of Kurdistan Regional Government, US Army War College. 2009, p. 3.</ref><ref name="Helfont2017" /><ref name="CMEC" /> Each zone has its own branch of Peshmerga with their own governing institutions that do not coordinate with the other branch.<ref name="CMEC" /><ref>S. R. Valentine, Peshmerga: Those Who Face Death, KDP, 2018, chapter 9.</ref>

Unification efforts

As a result of the split nature of the Peshmerga forces, there is no central command center in charge of the entire force, and Peshmerga units instead follow separate military hierarchies depending on political allegiance.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Multiple unification and depoliticizing efforts of the Peshmerga have been made since 1992. Many deadlines have been missed,<ref name="CMEC" /> reforms have been watered down,<ref name="Helfont2017" /> and most of the Peshmerga are still under the influence and command of the KDP and the PUK.

Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs

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After gaining autonomy in 1991 the Kurdistan Region created its own proto-defence ministry: The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs (MoPA). The Ministry was established to professionalize, unify, and centralize command of the party-affiliated Peshmerga forces, but in its early years it lacked real authority, something that became evident during the Kurdish civil war. Following the end of the civil war the KDP and PUK agreed to the re-establishment of the unified Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, which was favoured by the overall KRG Unification Agreement, and formally took place in 2006. In January 2010, the MoPA created the first, to itself subordinate, integrated Peshmerga brigade, called a Regional Guard Brigade (RGB). Three more RGBs were formed in March of the same year. Mario Fumerton and Wladimir van Wilgenburg commented, "The KDP’s temporary alliance with Saddam Hussein to expel the PUK from Erbil in 1996 is still remembered as a grave betrayal; conversely, many KDP members recall being driven out of other territories by the PUK. In part for these reasons, each side keeps a portion of its own forces under direct party control as a final guarantee to maintain the balance of power."<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2016 and 2017, following the events of the Iraqi Civil War, the United States and several European nations pressured the PUK and KDP to set up more mixed brigades as a condition for aid and funding. The PUK and KDP united 12 to 14 brigades under the RGB, which were then placed under the command of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> The Netherlands, the US, the UK, and Germany form the Multi-National Advisory Group (MNAG) that supports the project to establish a "modern, effective, affordable, and accountable Peshmerga."<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In addition, to support reform efforts, the United Kingdom appointed a Special Defence Adviser to the MoPA.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In 2022, the KDP’s 1st Support Force and the PUK’s 2nd Support Force were integrated into the MoPA, a move described by Col. Todd Burroughs, Deputy Director of the US-led coalition’s Military Advisor Group North, as a 'significant step in the Peshmerga reform process.'<ref name=":18">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":19">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

2022 Memorandum of understanding

A major step towards unification was reached in 2022, when a four-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US Department of Defense and Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs was signed, outlining conditions and timelines for integration into MoPA, effective until September 2026.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="OIR2025" />

By 2025, unification was in its final phase, with 10 additional brigades formed, two command regions planned, and salary payments digitialized via the 'MyAccount' system.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="OIR2025" /> An Inspector General Report for Operation Inherent Resolve report noted progress in establishing four divisions, but highlighted delays in the development of Area Commands and persistent partisanship.<ref name="OIR2025" /> As of Q2 2025, 28 Regional Guard Brigades were unified, 4 divisions operational, biometric enrollment exceeded 85%, and a four-year budget was submitted for a 138,000-strong force. Salary digitization via 'MyAccount' was nearing completion.<ref name="OIR2025" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Future outlook

In spite of all reforms, officers partially still continue to report to and take orders from their party leaders who also control the deployment of forces loyal to them and appoint front-line and sector commanders.<ref name="CMEC" /> Critical reforms stalled include the full incorporation of Units 80 and 70, and additional division HQs, amid U.S. frustration over partisanship.<ref name="OIR2025" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Peshmerga officials repeatedly affirm that full unficiation will be completed by 2026, if not sooner and U.S. officials stress that they will continue supporting unifying efforts.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Combat Forces

Both the KDP and the PUK Peshmerga rely heavily on irregulars in times of conflict to increase their ranks.<ref name="Howard2002">Template:Cite news</ref> However, both maintain several professional military brigades. The Peshmerga forces are described as a secular force with a Muslim majority and smaller Assyrian, Chaldean Catholic, Yazidi, Shabak and Kaka'i units.<ref name=":9" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":8">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Though some units are composed of minorities, they are not segregated and serve in regular infantry divisions too.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 2016 the MoPA intended to create a military division for the Arabs and Turkmen of Kirkuk Province, but financial difficulties halted the project.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Most minority units have been formed, when the Peshmerga took over the disputed territories in the War against the Islamic State.<ref name=":2">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The following units are affiliated with or have been identified within the Peshmerga force:

Force	Estimated size	Command	Description
MoPA-affiliated units
Template:Flagicon image Regional Guard Brigades (RGB)<ref name="CMEC" /><ref name="Helfont2017" /><ref name=":3" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| Şoreş Îsmaîl||MoPA's main force. Supposedly apolitical.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
1st Support Forces Command<ref name=":10">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	10,000 combined with the 2nd Support Forces.<ref name=":19" />	Lt. Gen. Sihad Barzani	Transferred to MoPA from KDP in 2022. Focuses on support roles, including artillery and officer training.
Template:Flagicon image 2nd Support Forces Command<ref name=":10" />	10,000 combined with the 1st Support Forces.<ref name=":19" />	Maj. Gen. Mariwan Muhammed Amin	Transferred to the MoPA from PUK in 2022. Focuses on support roles.
KDP-affiliated units
Template:Flagicon image 80 Unit<ref name="CMEC" /><ref name="Helfont2017" /><ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| 50,000–60,000 || Najat Ali Salih || KDP. In process of integration into MoPA by 2026.<ref name="OIR2025" /><ref name="reform" />
Template:Flagicon image Zeravani<ref name="CMEC" />	51,000–120,000 active personnel and 250,000 reservists<ref name="Lortz2015" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| Masoud Barzani|| KDP's militarized police force.
Template:Flagicon image Gulan Special Forces<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Mansour Barzani	Special forces commanded by Mansour Barzani.
Template:Flagicon image Peshmerga Roj<ref name=":3" />	3,000–6,000 fighters	Ibrahim Biro and Brig. Gen. Mohammed Rejeb Dehdo	Military wing of the ENKS. Consists of Kurds from Syria. Located in the KRG, Pro-KDP and takes orders from Masoud Barzani.
Template:Flagicon image Counter Terrorism Department (Kurdistan Region)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	N/A	N/A	Counterterrorism unit part of the Kurdistan Region Security Council.
Barzan Forces<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	N/A	N/A	Brigade formation, consisting of men recruited from the Barzani clan. Its also known as Barzan Army.
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	N/A	Rawan Barzani	N/A
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	N/A	Sirwan Barzani	Formed to confront the Islamic State in 2014 under Sirwan Barzani, who carries the nickname 'Black Tiger'.
Template:Flagicon image Presidential Guard (Kurdistan Region)<ref name="CMEC" />	N/A	Nechirvan Barzani	Military unit tasked with protecting the President of Kurdistan Region.
PUK-affiliated units
Template:Flagicon image 70 Unit<ref name="CMEC" /><ref name="Helfont2017" /><ref name=":3" />	50,000–60,000	Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Defense and Emergency Forces (DEF)<ref name=":1">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":11">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| 32,000<ref name=":11" />|| N/A || PUK's equivalent of KDP’s Zeravani. They are also known as Black Forces.
Template:Flagicon image CTG Special Forces<ref name="CMEC" />	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || Wehab Helebcî || One of the most elite Special Forces unit in Iraq.
Hezekani Kosrat Rasul<ref name="CMEC" />	2,000–3,000	Kosrat Rasul Ali	Kosrat Rasul Ali's personal protection brigade, one of the last remaining units to defend during the Kirkuk crisis.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Kurdistan Commando Forces<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	500–10,000	Diyar Omar	Well-equipped Special Operations Commando unit.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Template:Flagicon image Golden Force<ref name=":32">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	N/A	Barham Sheikh Mohammed	Sub-unit of the Kurdistan Commando Forces.
Presidential Peshmerga Brigade<ref name="CMEC" />	N/A	Hero Ibrahim Ahmed (Jalal Talabani formerly)	A unit which was stationed in Baghdad during the presidency of Jalal Talabani.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite book</ref>
Minority units
Template:Flagicon image Êzîdxan Protection Force or "Yazidi Peshmerga"<ref name="orders">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || 7,000<ref>IS-Terror in Shingal: Wer kämpft gegen wen? Ein Überblick, Ezidi Press. 12 October 2014</ref>–8,000<ref>With the Islamic State gone from Sinjar, Kurdish groups battle for control, Al-Monitor. 27 March 2016</ref>–10,000<ref name=":3" />|| Haydar Shesho and Qasim Shesho|| Pro-KDP. Yazidi Democratic Party. Incorporated into MoPA.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Jazeera Brigade<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />	2,000	Brig. Gen. Bolond Hussayn	Brigade of Ethnic-Arabs from Zummar and Rabia. Affiliated with the MoPA. Formed by the KDP.
Battalion of the Assyrian Democratic Movement<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":5">Template:Cite news</ref>	~ 360 (1993), ~ 2,000 (2014)	William Ishaya (formerly)	Neutral between the KDP and PUK. Affiliated with the MoPA. Military wing of the Assyrian Democratic Movement.
Nineveh Plain Guard Forces (NPGF) or "Christian Peshmerga"<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| 1,500–2,500 || Sarkis Aghajan Mamendo (unconfirmed) || Pro-KDP. Affiliated with the MoPA. Chaldean Syriac Assyrian Popular Council.
Shabak Battalion<ref name=":8" />	~ 1,000	Col. Mahmood Shabak	Battalion made up of the Shabak minority.
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	~ 680 (August 2015)	Nezar and Adel Kakai	Battalion made up of the Kaka'i religious minority. Affiliated with the MoPA.
citation	CitationClass=web }} Retrieved 3 June 2016.</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }} Retrieved 3 June 2016.</ref>	~ 600 (March 2015)	N/A	Christian brigade under the authority of the KRG.<ref name=":20" />
Nineveh Plains Force (NPF)<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />	~ 500 (July 2015)	Romeo Hakari	Pro-KDP. Affiliated with the MoPA. Bet-Nahrain Democratic Party.
Dwekh Nawsha<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" />	~ 100–250	Lt. Col. Odisho	Pro-KDP. Military wing of the Assyrian Patriotic Party. Not as clearly acting as official sub-units of Kurdish forces as the NPGF or NPF.
Asayish (security force)
KDP Asayish	Unknown	Barzan Qassab	KDP. Affiliated with the Ministry of Interior.
Template:Flagicon image PUK Asayish	Unknown	N/A	PUK. Affiliated with the Ministry of Interior.
Others
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	3,000	N/A	Peshmerga force of the Kurdistan Social Democratic Party.

Specialized Units

The Peshmerga Media Cell is one of the specialized units of the MoPA. Established in January 2022, it was created to professionalize the force’s information and media operations. The unit acts as the official channel for statements on Peshmerga activities, with responsibilities that include safeguarding operational security, protecting journalists reporting from conflict zones, and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information to local and international audiences.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It has also received support from international coalition advisers in developing media and information management practices.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

2025 Order of Battle (MoPA)

Units reporting to the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs:

• Template:Flagicon image Regional Guard Brigades<ref name=":13">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• • 1st Division
    • 14th Infantry Brigade<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref>

• • • 21st Infantry Brigade (Dohuk)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 2nd Division
    • 4th Infantry Brigade<ref name=":15">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • • • 1st Infantry Battalion (Kani Masi)<ref name=":15" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • • 6th Infantry Brigade (Kirkuk)<ref name=":16">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • • 22nd Infantry Brigade (Kirkuk)<ref name=":16" />
  • 3rd Infantry Division<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 4th Infantry Division (not fully integrated yet)<ref name="OIR2025" />
  • 5th Infantry Division (not fully integrated yet)<ref name="OIR2025" /><ref name=":14">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 6th Infantry Division (not fully integrated yet)<ref name="OIR2025" /><ref name=":14" />
  • 9th Infantry Division (Zawita)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• 1st Support Forces Command
• Template:Flagicon image 2nd Support Forces Command
  • 1st Mortar Battalion (Unit 955)<ref name=":17" />
  • 2nd Mortar Battalion (Unit 515)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Field Artillery Battalion (Unit 121)
    • Womens Artillery Battery<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 107mm MLRS Artillery Battalion (Unit 101)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 1st 122mm MLRS Artillery Battalion (Unit 106)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 2nd 122mm MLRS Artillery Battalion (Unit 757)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 105mm Artillery Battalion (Unit 118)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Defence and Tasks Regiment (Unit 103)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Armored Battalion (Unit 104)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Transportation and Logistics Battalion (Unit 105)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Combat Engineering Battalion (Unit 545)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Mechanised Infantry Battalion (Unit 616)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Tank Battalion (Unit 617)<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • 1st AA Artillery Battalion (Unit 888)<ref name=":17">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • Special Forces Unit<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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• • • Tactical Company<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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It is planned that by the end of 2026, the Regional Guard Brigades will make up 11 Peshmerga divisions in total.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Peshmerga in the Iraqi Army

Due to limited funding and the vast size of the Peshmerga forces, the KRG planned to downsize its forces from large numbers of low-quality forces to a smaller but much more effective and well-trained force.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Consequently, in 2009, the KRG and Baghdad engaged in discussions about incorporating parts of the Peshmerga forces into the Iraqi Army in what would be the 15th and 16th Iraqi Army divisions.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Chapman, Dennis. Security Forces of Kurdistan Regional Government, US Army War College. 2009, p. 112.</ref> However, after increasing tension between Erbil and Baghdad regarding the disputed areas, the transfer was largely put on hold. Some Peshmerga were already transferred but reportedly deserted again, and there are allegations that former Peshmerga forces remained loyal to the KRG rather than their Iraqi chain of command; regardless, thousands of members of the 80 Unit of KDP and the 70 Unit of PUK are based in Baghdad and cooperate well with other Iraqi forces.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

The Presidential Peshmerga Brigade of the PUK was stationed in Baghdad and paid by the Iraqi government during the presidency of Jalal Talabani.<ref name=":12" />

Ranks

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The Peshmerga, despite wearing a variety of uniform types, consistently maintain proper standards of dress. This includes the correct display of rank insignia for both enlisted personnel and commissioned officers, as well as the proper wear of headgear. In addition, they have designated ceremonial and duty uniforms that project a highly professional appearance.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Officers can be promoted by the President of the Kurdistan Region for outstanding military and civil achievements.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Inventory and capabilities

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Peshmerga forces largely rely on old arms captured from battles. The Peshmerga captured large stockpiles of weapons during the 1991 Iraqi uprisings.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Several stockpiles of weapons were captured from the old Iraqi Army during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, in which Peshmerga forces were active. Following the retreat of the new Iraqi Army during the June 2014 Islamic State offensive, Peshmerga forces reportedly again managed to get hold of weapons left behind by the Iraqis.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Since August 2014, Peshmerga forces have also captured weapons from the Islamic State.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

File:Task Force Talon advises, assists Ministry of Peshmerga July 28, 2016.jpg

Peshmerga soldiers stand in formation during the Modern Brigade Course graduation ceremony.

The Peshmerga arsenal is limited and confined by restrictions because the Kurdish Region has to purchase arms through the Iraqi government. Due to disputes between the KRG and the Iraqi government, arms flows from Baghdad to Kurdistan Region have been almost nonexistent, as Baghdad fears Kurdish aspirations for independence.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

|CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Helfont2017" /> After the Islamic State offensive of August 2014, multiple governments armed the Peshmerga with light arms, night-vision devices, and ammunition.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> However, Kurdish officials and Peshmerga stressed that they were not receiving enough and Baghdad was blocking arms from reaching the KRG, emphasizing the need for weapons to be sent directly and not through Baghdad.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Despite this, the United States has maintained that the government of Iraq is responsible for the security of Iraqi Kurdistan and that Baghdad must approve all military aid.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> As of 2025, continued CTEF support provided vehicles, heavy equipment, small arms, ammunition, and non-lethal aid, with proposals for air defenses in the 2024 NDAA.<ref name="OIR2025" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The Peshmerga lack a proper medical corps and communication units.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> This became apparent during the Islamic State offensive in 2014 where the Peshmerga found itself lacking ambulances and frontline field hospitals, forcing wounded fighters to walk back to safety.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> There is also a lack of communication tools, as Peshmerga commanders are forced to use civilian cellphones to communicate with each other.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> Under the guidance of the US-led coalition the Peshmerga started to standardize it's weapons systems, replacing Soviet-era weapons with NATO firearms.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> In 2015, for the first time, Peshmerga soldiers received urban warfare and military intelligence training from foreign trainers of the CJTF–OIR.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Some Peshmerga of the MoPA have also been trained by American private military contractors like DynCorp.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> By 2025, advancements included the Peshmerga Medical Force Readiness Initiative to address field hospital shortages.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Issues

Peshmerga has been accused of corruption, partisanship, nepotism and fraud.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Peshmerga was accused of listing "ghost employees" who do not exist or do not show up for work, but receive salaries. Those setting up the scam split the salary with these employees.<ref name="Helfont2017" />

In addition the KDP and PUK have used the Peshmerga to exert a monopoly on the use of force within their zones.<ref name="Helfont2017" /> In 2011 KDP Peshmerga fired on anti-government protesters in Sulaymaniyah, and the PUK later used its own security forces to break up these protests,<ref name="CMEC" /> leading to criticism from all of the opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region Parliament. In 2014 the KDP used its Peshmerga forces to stop delegates from the Gorran Movement to enter Erbil and attend parliament.<ref name="Helfont2017" />

Outside of Kurdistan Region the Peshmerga has been criticized for using force to exert control of local Arab, Yazidi and Assyrian communities, particularly during the Iraqi Civil War.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

concerns about persistent partisanship remain.<ref name="OIR2025" /> In 2025, U.S. reports expressed frustration over stalled unification due to party lines, despite commitments.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Role of women

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Historic involvement

File:Peshmerga & YPG.jpg

People's Defense Units' (YPG) woman volunteer with Peshmerga soldier

Women have played a significant role in the Peshmerga since its foundation, compared to other Middle Eastern militaries. The Kurdish Zand tribe was known for allowing women in military roles.<ref name="Lortz2015" /> During the Iraqi–Kurdish conflict the majority of women served within the Peshmerga in supporting roles such as building camps, taking care of the wounded, and carrying munitions and messages.<ref name="Howard2002" /> Several women brigades served on the front lines. The PUK started recruiting women during the Kurdish Civil War. Women were given a 45-day basic training, which included parade drills and basic marksmanship training with various rifles, mortars, and RPGs.<ref name="Lortz2015" />

Modern era

In the months leading up to the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, the United States launched Operation Viking Hammer which dealt a huge blow to Islamic terrorist groups in Iraqi Kurdistan and uncovered a chemical weapons facility.<ref>Plan of Attack, Bob Woodward, Simon and Schuster, 2004.</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Chalk, Peter 2012">Chalk, Peter, Encyclopedia of Terrorism Volume 1, 2012, ABC-CLIO</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web

}}</ref> The PUK later confirmed that female Kurdish fighters had participated in the operation.<ref name="Howard2002" />

File:Female Peshmerga Training.jpg

Female Peshmerga soldiers training with G36's

In 2014 the Peshmerga had at least 600 women in their ranks.<ref name=":6">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> The number of women increased significantly during the war against ISIS due to a shortage of manpower and the desire for revenge.<ref name=":6" /> The Peshmerga have one entirely female brigade.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In the KDP, these Peshmerga women have been refused access to the frontline and are mostly used in logistics and management positions,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while PUK Peshmerga women are deployed on the front lines and are actively engaging in combat.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name="Lortz2015" /> Women are paid the same as men.<ref name=":6" />

Famous female fighters

Margaret George Malik<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> was an iconic<ref name="Vindheim2016">Template:Cite book</ref> Assyrian guerilla fighter who was given a leading position in important battles such as the Battle of Zawita Valley.<ref name="Sankey2018">Template:Cite book</ref> She was nicknamed "Joan of Arc of Kurdistan" for the courage she displayed in combat. In 1995 Colonel Nahida Rashid created the first women’s Peshmerga unit. Other well known female Peshmergas are Hero Ibrahim Ahmad, Amineh Kakabaveh, Pakhshan Zangana, and Kafiya Suleiman.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Gallery

• 20th century Peshmerga fighters
  20th century Peshmerga fighters
• Peshmerga of the KDP in 2003
  Peshmerga of the KDP in 2003
• Peshmerga Special Forces gathered near the Syrian border in 2014
  Peshmerga Special Forces gathered near the Syrian border in 2014
• Peshmerga soldiers in ceremonial gear
  Peshmerga soldiers in ceremonial gear
• Peshmerga Parade
  Peshmerga Parade
• Peshmerga meet Anti-IS Coalition advisors
  Peshmerga meet Anti-IS Coalition advisors

Further reading

• Simon Ross Valentine, Peshmerga: Those Who Face Death: The Kurdish Army, its History, Development, and the Fight against ISIS, Kindle Direct Publishing, 2018, 300pp. Template:ISBN?
• Chapman, Dennis P., Lieutenant Colonel USA, Security Forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Mohammed Najat, Costa Mesa, California: Mazda Publishers, 2011. Template:ISSN Reviewed by Michael M. Gunter in Middle East Affairs, Vol. 65, No. 3, Summer 2011.

External links

• Official MPA site at Kurdish Regional Government site Template:Webarchive