Reports of US funding cuts to Kurdish armed forces raises concerns over regional stability
The Peshmerga have played a key role over the years fighting ISIS and securing the autonomous Kurdistan Region. However, efforts to reform them have not proceeded as planned.
The Trump administration may reduce financial support to the Peshmerga, the Kurdish military force in Iraq, according to a BBC report. The Peshmerga have been a crucial ally in the fight against ISIS, but recent reports suggest concerns over their future funding stability. Kurdish media outlet Rudaw claims the US has not officially notified the Peshmerga of the proposed funding cuts.
The Peshmerga, which has around 180,000 troops, currently receives $61 million yearly in military aid and training through the Pentagon's counter-IS program. However, the US is withdrawing from Iraq on September 30, complicating security arrangements. Kurdish officials fear the funding reduction could weaken the Peshmerga and benefit Iran, which has recently launched numerous missile and drone attacks into Iraqi Kurdistan.
Despite the challenges, the US is still considering ways to maintain some level of security support for the Peshmerga following the troop withdrawal.
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