Peshmerga Expresses Concern Over US Kurdistan Withdrawal, Affirms Readiness

The Peshmerga Ministry, on Monday, voiced its concern regarding the withdrawal of US forces from the Kurdistan Region, asserting its full readiness to protect the region. A ministerial statement indicated US forces would depart Iraqi territory, including Kurdistan, on September 30, following a mutual understanding between the Iraqi federal government, the United States, and its allies. The ministry considered the withdrawal's timing highly sensitive due to unstable security in Iraq and the Middle East, demanding sound political awareness and decisions to avert regional instability threats. It also noted Kurdistan faced over a thousand drone and ballistic missile attacks during the prior US-Iran conflict, causing casualties and material damage. The Peshmerga stressed that the US departure without a defensive system raises significant concern, highlighting that Kurdistan's airspace is part of federal airspace, and its protection is the federal government's duty when needed. The ministry affirmed Peshmerga forces are fully prepared for any future emergency, capable of adapting to circumstances and confronting risks, having historically safeguarded Kurdistan's land and people. It clarified that the Peshmerga Ministry, as part of Iraq's defense system, holds strong constitutional and security ties with the Iraqi army, maintaining joint operations and continuous coordination.