The Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region confirmed today, Monday, that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraqi territory, including the Kurdistan Region, on September 30, comes at a "sensitive time." It pointed out that the security situation in Iraq and the Middle East is unstable, and that the withdrawal without providing a defense system for the Kurdistan Region "raises concerns."
The ministry stated in a statement, which the "Video News Agency" reviewed, that the withdrawal comes as a result of mutual understanding between the federal Iraqi government, the United States, and its allies. It noted that the current security conditions require more vigilance and sound political decisions, as the continued instability in the region poses a threat to the entire area.
It indicated that during the war between the United States and Iran in recent months, the Kurdistan Region was subjected to more than a thousand attacks by drones and ballistic missiles, some of which landed in civilian areas, resulting, according to the statement, in the deaths and injuries of several individuals, as well as material damage.
The ministry considered that "the abandonment of the Kurdistan Region by the United States in such a complex regional situation, without providing any defense system, is concerning." At the same time, it affirmed that the skies of the region, being part of the skies of the federal government, fall within the priorities and responsibilities of the federal government, which must assume the responsibility of protecting the skies of Kurdistan when necessary.
The Ministry of Peshmerga confirmed that its forces, which "have been the protectors of the land and people of Kurdistan," are prepared for any eventuality or new development, and are capable of adapting to any undesirable circumstances and confronting threats.
The ministry expressed its gratitude to the United States and its allies, valuing their cooperation and support provided over the past years to the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga forces.
It affirmed that the Ministry of Peshmerga, as part of the Iraqi defense system, has a strong constitutional and security relationship with the Iraqi army, and will continue to work and coordinate with it.
In conclusion of its statement, the ministry reassured the people of Kurdistan that "Kurdistan is in safe and peace-loving hands."