Peshmerga

Peshmerga refers to the military forces of the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The term is Kurdish for those who face death, reflecting a historic ethos of willingness to confront danger. The Peshmerga have served as the primary armed force of the Kurdish population in the region and have played a central role in Kurdish self-defense, uprisings, and state-building efforts.

Historically, the Peshmerga trace their origins to Kurdish tribes and militias that resisted external control during the 20th century. They gained prominence in the latter half of the century under Kurdish leaders who sought greater autonomy and security within Iraq. After the Gulf War of 1991, the establishment of a de facto Kurdish autonomous administration allowed the Peshmerga to organize more formally and to operate under the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The force has since developed a diversified structure, with regional commands and multiple units aligned to local and national security tasks.

In the modern era, the Peshmerga played a leading role in the fight against the Islamic State and its affiliates from 2014 onward, operating alongside Iraqi security forces and international coalition partners. They contributed to retaking territory in northern Iraq, protecting population centers, and securing border areas. The Peshmerga maintains responsibilities for regional defense, border security, and internal stability within the Kurdistan Region, while coordinating with Iraqi authorities on shared security objectives when possible.

Organization and oversight are linked to the Kurdistan Regional Government, with the Peshmerga operating as a regional force distinct from the Iraqi national armed forces. They receive international training and support from allied partners and remain a key element of Iraq’s complex security landscape.