US Reaffirms Commitment to Kurdistan Peshmerga with Heavy Weaponry Delivery
Erbil, Kurdistan Region — In a recent declaration of support, US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski emphasized Washington's commitment to bolstering the Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga forces in their ongoing battle against the Islamic State (IS). Her statement followed a notable delivery of heavy weaponry from the US military to the Peshmerga, signaling a reinforced alliance amid increasing IS activities in the region.
Ambassador Romanowski took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to express her approval of the military aid, stating, "Pleased to see the recent delivery of important equipment to @KRG_MOPE. We are committed to strengthening the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga, to ensure the enduring Iraqi-led defeat of ISIS."
The longstanding partnership between the Kurdistan Region and the United States has been instrumental in countering IS threats. As IS attacks have intensified, cooperation between the US and Kurdistan has also increased, with the United States reaffirming its dedication to supporting the Peshmerga forces.
يسرني أن أرى تسليم معدات مهمة مؤخراً إلى @KRG_MOPE. نحن ملتزمون بتعزيز قدرات قوات الأمن العراقية، بما في ذلك قوات البيشمركة، لضمان الهزيمة الدائمة لداعش بقيادة عراقية. #الشراكة_الأمريكية_العراقية_الشاملة pic.twitter.com/QUtIQbmkcs
— Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski (@USAmbIraq) August 10, 2024
Complementing these military contributions, the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Mark Stroh, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Peshmerga for its reform initiatives. He highlighted that the donation of weaponry is a testament to the US's unwavering support for the Peshmerga.
This commitment was further reinforced during US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's visit to the Kurdistan Region in March 2023. Secretary Austin praised the Peshmerga's pivotal role in defeating IS during a meeting with Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).
Since the early days of Iraq's liberation, the alliance between the United States and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has remained steadfast, despite regional political challenges. Both parties continue to envision a future characterized by mutual security and cooperation, further solidifying their bond in the face of shared threats.
This delivery of arms and equipment is part of broader diplomatic efforts by the US to empower the Peshmerga, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the evolving security landscape in the region.
