The Iraqi Defense Ministry on Thursday declared that the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces are a national force, reaffirming their loyalty to Iraq amidst a public debate regarding the transfer of military equipment.

The statement comes after concerns were raised about the delivery of 105 mm Howitzer cannons to the Peshmerga. The ministry clarified that the contract for these cannons was originally made under former Defense Minister Irfan Hayali seven years ago, and later amended under the current Defense Minister, Juma Inad.

The Defense Ministry emphasized that the funds for the purchase had been allocated before the formation of the current Iraqi federal government. The Howitzers arrived at the port of Umm Qasr on November 20, 2023, but their handover to the Ministry of Peshmerga was delayed for nearly a year. The equipment was finally delivered following an official directive from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, after all necessary procedures were completed.

In its statement, the ministry stressed the Peshmerga’s critical role in Iraq’s national defense, urging the media to avoid spreading misinformation from unqualified sources. The ministry reaffirmed the Peshmerga's unity and commitment to Iraq.

This response came largely in reaction to remarks made by Mohammed al-Halbousi, leader of the Progress Party, who publicly opposed the arming of the Peshmerga. His comments ignited widespread backlash across the country.

The ministry’s statement aims to quell any doubts about the Peshmerga’s loyalty, ensuring that they remain a vital and unified force within Iraq’s defense framework.