Peshmerga Ministry: US Troop Withdrawal Comes at Sensitive Time for Iraq and Region

PUKMEDIA

Logo of the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs of the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement, the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs has voiced concern over the planned withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, saying the move comes at a sensitive time amid ongoing regional instability and security threats.

Under an agreement between Washington and the Iraqi federal government, all remaining US troops in Iraq are scheduled to leave the country by 30 September, as the international coalition’s mission against ISIS is gradually wound down. The withdrawal is expected to bring an end to the US military presence in Iraq, which resumed in 2003 following the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein's regime.

The statement read: 

The US troops will withdraw from Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, on 30 September under a joint agreement between the Iraqi federal government, the United States and its allies.

The withdrawal of US and Coalition forces comes at a sensitive time, particularly as the security situation in Iraq and the wider Middle East remains unstable and requires vigilance and sound political decision-making. Continued instability in the region poses a threat to the security of the entire region.

During the war between the United States and Iran in recent months, the Kurdistan Region came under more than 1,000 drone and ballistic missile attacks, some of which struck civilian areas, resulting in deaths, injuries and material damage.

The US decision to withdraw from the Kurdistan Region amid such a complex regional situation, without providing any air defence systems, is a matter of concern.

At the same time, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs believes that the airspace of the Kurdistan Region, as part of Iraq’s federal airspace, falls under the responsibility of the federal government, which should make protecting the Region’s airspace a priority whenever necessary.
 
The Peshmerga forces have historically defended the territory and people of Kurdistan and remain prepared to respond to any future developments. They are capable of adapting to unforeseen circumstances and confronting potential threats.

The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs expresses its gratitude to the United States and its allies and respect their past assistance and support to the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga forces.

As part of Iraq’s defence system, the Peshmerga Ministry maintains strong constitutional and security ties with the Iraqi Army and will continue to work jointly with it.

Finally, we assure the Kurdish people that Kurdistan is in safe and peaceful hands.

Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs
27 September 2026



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