On Tuesday 06/08/2024 Minister Ismail announced the delivery of a significant quantity of heavy weapons from the US government and military to the Peshmerga forces in the Kurdistan Region.
“Today is a historic day for the Kurdistan Peshmerga Ministry and Forces, as the US government and US military continue to provide assistance and support to the Peshmerga Forces,” Minister Ismail reiterated.
He further noted, “The delivery includes heavy artillery, which will elevate the Peshmerga Ministry’s military capabilities with advanced technology.”
Minister Ismail emphasized the Peshmerga’s eagerness for these advanced weapons and highlighted the crucial support from allies, especially the United States.
“We extend our gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Ministry of Peshmerga for their efforts in securing this support from the US government and Department of Defense,” he added.
The Minister also thanked Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the Commander of the Iraqi Army for facilitating the delivery. He underscored that this cooperation reinforces the constitutional recognition of the Peshmerga forces as part of Iraq’s defense system.
The weapons handover ceremony included Peshmerga Ministry officials, the coalition military advisor, and the US consul. The American forces provided heavy artillery, a move that Minister Ismail believes will significantly enhance Peshmerga’s military capabilities.
Minister Ismail expressed his appreciation to the United States and the US Department of Defense for supplying these weapons. He also praised the efforts of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Minister of Defense, and the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army for ensuring the delivery to the Peshmerga.
He called on the Iraqi government to extend military, financial, and logistical assistance to the Peshmerga forces, acknowledging them as integral to Iraq’s defense and security system.
Minister Ismail highlighted the Peshmerga forces’ critical role in confronting ISIS and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Iraq’s security from terrorist threats alongside the federal security forces.