Iraq’s Kurdish forces look to a new era after US withdrawal

Iraq’s Kurdish forces, known as the Peshmerga, are entering a new phase following the withdrawal of US-led international forces, which officially ended Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIL on September 30, 2026. The Kurdistan Regional Government announced on September 21 the unification of Kurdish armed factions into a single force to strengthen regional stability and sovereignty. The withdrawal presents new political and security challenges for Iraq, as the Peshmerga relied heavily on coalition support to defend against ISIL.