Peshmerga clarifies air defense system status

The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs in the Kurdistan Region confirmed on Wednesday that it has not received any air defense system, refuting circulating reports regarding the arrival of such military equipment. In an official statement, the ministry clarified that social media platforms and local outlets published inaccurate information attributed to unspecified sources, stressing that no official channels issued any statements on the matter. It added that the reports are entirely baseless, renewing its absolute denial of the entry of any new defense systems into its territory. This clarification coincided with the region's Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, calling on federal authorities in Baghdad to provide Kurdistan with air defense systems to protect it from recurring drone attacks. In a related context, Barzani dismissed the likelihood of security threats escalating or extremist groups resuming activities after the US-led coalition concludes its mission.