Minister Ismail announced the delivery on Tuesday, emphasizing the substantial assistance and support provided by the US government and military. "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," he stated.
The shipment includes heavy artillery, which is expected to significantly enhance the military capabilities of the Peshmerga forces. Minister Ismail expressed the Peshmerga's anticipation for these advanced weapons and underscored the importance of continued support from allies, particularly the United States.
"We would like to thank the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Ministry of Peshmerga for their role in obtaining support from the US government and Department of Defense," Minister Ismail said. He also extended gratitude to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the Commander of the Iraqi Army for facilitating the delivery.
The cooperation highlights the constitutional recognition of the Peshmerga forces as part of Iraq's defense system. The handover ceremony included officials from the Peshmerga Ministry, the coalition military advisor, and the US consul. The American forces provided heavy artillery, which Minister Ismail believes will greatly enhance the Peshmerga's military capabilities.
Minister Ismail 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 weapons reached the Peshmerga. He called on the Iraqi government to provide military, financial, and logistical assistance to the Peshmerga forces, recognizing them as part of Iraq's defense and security system.
He highlighted the crucial role the Peshmerga forces have played in confronting ISIS and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Iraq's security from terrorist threats alongside the federal security forces. (ILKHA)