The United States influence in Kurdistan

In September 2022, the United States revised and renewed an MoU with the KRG Ministry
of Peshmerga Afairs (MoPA) to support reform measures that seek to create a unifed, nonpartisan Peshmerga military organization.

The non-binding MoU has served as an organizing framework for DoD counter-ISIS support to the MoPA since 2016 and will remain in efect until the end of September 2026, subject to the availability of funds.

According to the MoU, the DoD and KRG intend to reorganize the 70s and 80s partisan forces—which are commanded separately by the KRG’s two main political parties—under MoPA authority into 11 light role infantry divisions under two Area Commands (equivalent to Corps Commands).

During the quarter, three of the 11 planned divisions were at full operating capability and another three were at initial operating capability.