On Sept. 28, under the directives of Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Area Two, the 10th Infantry Division held a military-administrative meeting to organize its duties and responsibilities. The meeting was supervised by Staff Maj. Gen. Abdullah Abdulrahman Muhammad.
Staff Maj. Gen. Muhammad outlined new duties under his division’s reorganization plan and emphasized cooperation, coordination, commitment and teamwork among commanders, officers and units.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing process of unifying and reorganizing the Peshmerga forces, as well as proposals and recommendations to improve military and administrative task execution.
On Sept. 23, 2026, Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Area Command Two, discussed Peshmerga unification and future challenges in a special interview with the Center for Future Studies, addressing the unification process, Coalition support and ties with the Iraqi Armed Forces.
Staff Lt. Gen. Hassan described unification as a crucial step toward building a unified national force capable of fulfilling its duties. He also emphasized honoring martyrs and supporting their families as a national and moral duty.
He stressed the need to strengthen Peshmerga-Iraqi Armed Forces relations within Iraq’s constitutional and legal framework and called for the Peshmerga’s constitutional rights and entitlements, including military, logistical and financial support. He also highlighted the process’s importance for regional security and stability.
As part of reshuffles within Area Command Two, Brig. Gen. Ali Qadr Nabi assumed command of the 44th Infantry Brigade on Sept. 23, 2026, succeeding Maj. Gen. Abdulwahid Mustafa Ahmad.
Maj. Gen. Ahmad congratulated Brig. Gen. Nabi and wished him success, expressing his readiness to provide support and cooperation.
Brig. Gen. Nabi pledged to advance the brigade’s work, strengthen unity and coordination among military units, and serve the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces.
On Sept. 23, 2026, a long-distance march was conducted at Area Command Two’s Warfare School for participants in the special forces course to enhance their physical and military readiness.
The march was conducted under the supervision of Warfare School officers and instructors, focusing on developing endurance and resilience while strengthening participants’ ability to perform military duties professionally.
Area Command Two continues to advance Peshmerga training and capabilities through modern military instruction, building a highly skilled force capable of fulfilling its national duties.
Ceremony Marks Completion of Peshmerga Unification Process
On Sept. 21, 2026, a ceremony was held at the Kurdistan Region Presidency in Erbil to announce the completion of the unification and reorganization of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region; Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa, Vice President; Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG); Qubad Talabani, KRG Deputy Prime Minister; Shorsh Ismail, Minister of Peshmerga; Staff Gen. Abdul-Amir Al-Shammari, Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces; and senior Peshmerga officers and government officials.
By executive decree of the President of the Kurdistan Region, Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan was appointed Commander of Area Command Two.
The ceremony marked the completion of the Peshmerga unification process, carried out under a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Department of War and the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga.
The unification establishes a single Peshmerga force under a unified command structure, strengthening its organization and capabilities to fulfill its duties.
Area Command Two Media
By order of Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, Maj. Gen. Sarwan Salih Saadi received his appointment order as the new Director of National Awareness and Media on Sept. 16, 2026.
Maj. Gen. Sarwan officially assumed his new duties during a ceremony attended by senior officers, marking the start of his responsibilities in leading the directorate.
The appointment supports the institutional development of Forces 70 Command and aims to strengthen national awareness and media capabilities and present the forces’ activities professionally.
A 15-day communications course concluded at Warfare School on Sept. 16, 2026, with the participation of three officers and 24 personnel from Forces 70.
The course provided theoretical and practical instruction by specialized communications officers, focusing on strengthening technical knowledge and professional capabilities.
During the closing ceremony, certificates of completion were presented to the participants in recognition of their commitment and successful completion of the course.
Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, received Lt. Col. Rüdiger, a military advisor to the German military contingent in the Kurdistan Region, and his delegation on Sept. 14. The visit marked the conclusion of Rüdiger’s mission in the Region.
The two sides discussed the unification of the Peshmerga forces and recent progress. Staff Lt. Gen. Hassan commended Germany’s contributions to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, including medical assistance, logistical support and training.
Staff Lt. Gen. Hassan expressed appreciation to German Armed Forces personnel for their continued support of Peshmerga unification efforts. The meeting concluded with an exchange of gifts as a gesture of mutual respect and partnership.
Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, received Sabah Al-Naaman, Spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, on Sept. 14 in the presence of senior command officers. The two sides discussed security and military developments in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq and the wider region.
The meeting highlighted the role of Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), in strengthening coordination and ties between the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi federal government and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and established mechanisms.
The two sides also discussed security gaps between Peshmerga and Iraqi army forces, including areas secured by joint Peshmerga-Iraqi army brigades. They emphasized the importance of continued security coordination and cooperation to address threats and preserve stability.
Staff Lt. Gen. Hassan reaffirmed Forces 70’s readiness to strengthen coordination with the Iraqi Army to counter terrorism and protect citizens. He also emphasized the Peshmerga forces’ role in securing the Kurdistan Region’s borders and supporting regional security and stability.
The Anti-Tank Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division conducted an intensive practical military exercise at a firing range on Sept. 10, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the combat readiness and capabilities of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces.
The exercise focused on practical training with AK-47 rifles, PK machine guns and RPGs, aimed at improving weapons proficiency, marksmanship, speed in executing assigned tasks and combat readiness. Participants demonstrated a high level of military proficiency throughout the training.
The exercise was conducted in the presence of Staff Brig. Gen. Jamil Muhammad Rashid, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Division, along with department heads and officers. Such exercises contribute to developing the Peshmerga's capabilities and enhancing their operational effectiveness.
On the 35th anniversary of Gali Kurdistan TV, the Forces 70 Command extends its congratulations and appreciation to the channel’s management, journalists, media workers, and staff on behalf of all officers and Peshmergas of the forces.
As the first Kurdish television station following the Uprising, Gali Kurdistan TV marked a historic turning point in Kurdish broadcasting, bringing the voice and image of Kurdistan to audiences at home and abroad. For the Peshmergas, it was more than a media outlet—it was a voice of hope and the ongoing struggle.
For 35 years, Gali Kurdistan TV has contributed to the development of Kurdish media and journalism, while training generations of media professionals. The Forces 70 Command wishes the channel continued success in serving Kurdish media and society with professionalism, dedication, and commitment.
On Sept. 9, 2026, Col. Robert, Head of the British TGA Company, and an accompanying delegation visited the forces 70 Military Training Directorate, where they were received by Maj. Gen. Taha Raza Rashid and senior officers.
The visit aimed to present the “SAT System” project, focusing on enhancing the Peshmerga forces’ military and logistical capabilities and wartime readiness. During a seminar, the delegation outlined TGA’s role in the project and its operations in Iraq, the region, and internationally.
The discussions also covered future cooperation with the Ministry of Peshmerga, key recommendations for the successful implementation of the SAT project, and ways to further strengthen the readiness and capabilities of the Peshmerga forces.
Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, received Capt. Francesco Rubino, Commander of the Italian Special Forces Task Force 44 (TF44), in Iraq, marking the end of Rubino’s tenure and the handover of command to Capt. Siege.
Staff Lt. Gen. Hassan commended Rubino’s contributions to supporting the Kurdistan Peshmerga Forces, particularly in military training and capability development, and congratulated his successor on assuming command.
The two sides also discussed future joint plans and ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation between the Peshmerga Forces and Italian Special Forces.
On Aug. 31, Brig. Gen. Yasin Mawlud Awla, Commander of the 42nd Brigade, along with administrative and national awareness officers, visited the brigade’s 2nd Regiment, following directives from Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70.
Brig. Gen. Awla met with the regiment’s commander and officers to review military readiness, administrative matters, discipline, and the execution of assigned duties. He stressed adherence to military directives and continued efforts to strengthen operational performance.
On behalf of the Forces 70 Commander, he commended the regiment’s leadership and personnel for their commitment to their military and administrative responsibilities.
On August 30, Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, chaired a high-level military meeting at the Forces 70 Command headquarters, attended by the Commander of Second Support Forces, Chief of Staff, directors, division commanders, Commanders of the Commando Brigade and Commando Forces, and senior officers.
The meeting focused on key military and security developments, operational readiness, strengthening Peshmerga combat capabilities, improving coordination and organization, and preparing for potential emergencies.
On August 30, 2026, Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, received Staff Vice Adm. Ahmed Imran al-Janabi, President of the Military Academy at Iraq’s Federal Ministry of Defense, and his accompanying delegation.
The meeting focused on strengthening military and security cooperation between the Peshmerga Forces and the Iraqi Federal Army, particularly in combating terrorism and securing border areas between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government.
Both sides stressed the importance of exchanging military expertise and capabilities to enhance readiness and contribute to security and stability. Vice Adm. al-Janabi also congratulated Lt. Gen. Hassan on his recent promotion.
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Staff Maj. Ahmad Fakhraddin Faraj, Deputy Commander of Forces 70 Command’s Warfare School, completed basic course no. 20 at Iraq’s Special Forces Training School in Baghdad, securing fourth place among participants.
A ceremony was held to honor Staff Maj. Faraj, where he received awards of appreciation from the Warfare School and on behalf of Forces 70 Command.
His participation followed the directives of Staff Lt. Gen. Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, and aimed to enhance the military and academic capabilities of the Kurdistan Peshmerga forces through modern special forces training.
Staff Lieutenant General Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, received Latif Nerway, Head of the PUK Media Board, and his delegation on August 10, 2026.
The meeting focused on strengthening military media capabilities, improving communications, and enhancing cooperation and exchange of expertise between military and media institutions in the Kurdistan Region.
Under the directives of Staff Lieutenant General Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, the Second Support Forces Command, Forces 70 Command's Directorate of Supply and 721st Secretariat Brigade are supplying drinking water to residents of Sulaimani City affected by the break in the second Dukan–Sulaimani water pipeline, which has caused shortages in several neighborhoods.
As part of the campaign, the 2nd Division Commander is overseeing water distribution operations in Takiya Sub-district in coordination with the relevant local authorities, while Peshmerga teams continue delivering water and refilling community tanks in affected areas.
Shorsh Health Center- Koya, established on November 3, 2025, provides healthcare services to Peshmerga forces, families of martyrs and Anfal victims, and the public.
Over the past nine months, the center has treated 10,289 patients, including 1,324 laboratory tests, 205 ECG evaluations, 968 dental treatments, 765 emergency care visits, and numerous medical consultations. Expansion plans are underway to meet growing demand.