Barzani: Peshmerga weapons are a symbol of a historic struggle

ANBAR, Iraq — Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani said the Peshmerga weapon is not ordinary military equipment but part of the long struggle waged by the Kurdish people for their land and dignity. He described the Peshmerga's core function as defensive, focused on protecting territory, borders and security stability, and said the force is not to be used as an instrument of political conflict or for imposing will by force. According to Barzani, the Peshmerga has a constitutional and political basis and operates as a regular force under Kurdistan Region institutions. Kurdish officials have repeatedly said the Peshmerga is part of Iraq's defense system and functions as an official force under the law. The remarks come amid ongoing debates in Iraq over consolidating weapons under state control. Barzani stressed the need to preserve the distinction between recognized regular forces and other formations, warning that conflating the two would complicate the resolution of outstanding issues. He also described the Peshmerga as a historic legacy shaped by the sacrifice of tens of thousands of martyrs and wounded fighters and a symbol of the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom and dignity.