Nechirvan Barzani: Peshmerga Forces Under President Masoud Barzani Crushed the Myth of ISIS Terrorists
ARK News.. Under the patronage and in the presence of Nechirvan Barzani, the Second Military College in Zakho held a graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 14, 2026, for its 30th class of officers, during which he emphasized the pivotal role of the Peshmerga Forces in protecting the Kurdistan Region and stressed the need for Baghdad to fulfill its constitutional obligations toward the forces.
During his speech, Nechirvan Barzani congratulated the graduates, describing the occasion as “a day of pride for all the people of Kurdistan.” He recalled the historic role of the Peshmerga, stating: “Under the leadership of President Masoud Barzani, the Peshmerga defended the land of Kurdistan with their blood, shattered the myth of ISIS terrorists, and prevented the region from falling into their grip. This history is filled with unforgettable heroism and sacrifices.”
The president of the Kurdistan Region also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of the Peshmerga unification process, saying: “The people of Kurdistan have waited for years to see their forces unified. We need strong political will to transform the Peshmerga into a unified national force removed from political disputes and rivalries.”
Nechirvan Barzani praised the support of the international coalition, particularly the United States, for backing the Peshmerga during the war against terrorism and supporting the ministry’s structural reform process.
He also addressed the federal government in Baghdad, calling on it to provide all financial and military entitlements owed to the Peshmerga as an official part of Iraq’s defense system under the constitution.
Addressing the newly graduated officers, he said: “You are the protectors of all citizens of Kurdistan without discrimination. You must adhere to military discipline and the highest national values and serve as models of leadership and justice within our forces.”
The ceremony witnessed the graduation of 359 young officers after completing an intensive nine-month training course that included advanced academic and practical training, after which they joined the Ministry of Peshmerga with the rank of lieutenant.
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