Peshmerga Downsized Amid Ongoing Reform Programme

PUKMEDIA

Shadow of a Peshmerga personnel.

Around 7,000 Peshmerga personnel have retired over the past two years under the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) restructuring programme, a senior official confirmed, adding that their posts will not be refilled as part of the reform agenda.

Fathullah Omar, Deputy Director General of Peshmerga Retirement Directorate, told PUKMEDIA that the retirements – drawn from the 70 and 80 Forces as well as units under the Ministry of Peshmerga – will not be replaced. Instead, the reform programme aims to streamline the force’s structure under the single authority of the Ministry of Peshmerga.

“Between 2024 and 2025, approximately 7,000 Peshmerga personnel retired. Their positions will not be refilled, as the new framework for reform and reorganisation requires a leaner force,” Omar said.

The reforms are being implemented within the framework of the agreement between the Ministry of Peshmerga and the United States Department of Defence (U.S. Department of War), Omar noted.

“The planned force structure requires fewer personnel than current levels, meaning the retirements are not expected to undermine operational capability,” he added.

Omar further explained that financial assistance from the US-led Global Coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) will continue to be directed to the Ministry of Peshmerga, though coalition partners have recommended shifting assistance towards logistical support rather than direct salary payments. He noted that it remains unclear how the aid will be delivered this month.

Ahmed Latif, spokesperson and Director of Media for the 70 Forces of the Peshmerga, acknowledged that the retirements have created an administrative gap.

“The retirement of around 7,000 officers, ranks, and Peshmerga from the 70 and 80 Forces and the Ministry of Peshmerga will not be followed by new recruitment. Owing to the current freeze on employment, their posts cannot be refilled, which has created an administrative gap,” Latif told PUKMEDIA.

“The measure is aimed at restructuring and consolidating the forces in line with the reform agenda,” he added.

The ongoing reform of the Peshmerga forces seeks to bring all Kurdish units under the central authority of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs.

The KRG and the United States continue their meetings on the Peshmerga reform process, with the latest held on 16 September 2025 and hosted by the KRG Presidency. Discussions between senior officials from relevant Kurdistan Region institutions and the U.S. military and diplomatic delegation focused on advancing the reform programme, restructuring the Peshmerga under a unified command, and addressing outstanding challenges.

Participants emphasised the importance of completing the reform process, highlighting both the unification of the Peshmerga and the acceleration of remaining steps. They also reaffirmed joint efforts to overcome obstacles and ensure the success of a process deemed vital to strengthening security and governance in the Kurdistan Region.



PUKMEDIA