Today, our camera lens focuses on an Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighter circa 2003. He happens to be a member of the KDP, the Kurdish Democratic Party
Who Are the Peshmerga?
They are the military forces of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. The name “Peshmerga” translates to “those who face death” or “those who stand in front of death.” This force has a rich history and has been integral in the broader Middle Eastern military landscape. Here are some key points about the Peshmerga:
Origins
The roots of the Peshmerga stretch back centuries, but the modern Peshmerga forces were formally established after the end of World War I and the establishment of the modern state of Iraq.
Two Major Factions
The Peshmerga forces are largely divided between the two main Kurdish political parties: the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Historically, these factions have had differences and have even clashed with one another.
Battles against Saddam Hussein
The Peshmerga were involved in resistance against the Ba’athist regime of Saddam Hussein, particularly during the Anfal campaign in the 1980s, where Saddam’s forces committed atrocities against the Kurdish people.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
More from SOFREP
Most Read
Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing Identified
2Navy SEALs To Rally Behind Pete Hegseth in a March on Washington
3Head Coast Guard Chaplain Removed Due To Knowledge of Sexual Misconduct
4US Navy Bolsters Defense with Latest Raytheon, Lockheed Contracts
5The ‘Welrod’ Pistol: A Silent Killer For the SOE, OSS, and Special Forces
Recent Comments
Join SOFREP Team Room for Insider Access and Analysis
Your Subscription Supports our Veteran Staff
SUBSCRIBE NOWVETERAN-FRIENDLY COMPANIES
Barrett Firearms
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
- [email protected]
- 615-896-2938
- Visit Website
- PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Pyramyd Air
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
- [email protected]
- 888-262-4867
- Visit Website
- 5135 Naiman Parkway Solon, OH 44139
RecPak
RecPak is a meal replacement for the outdoors that saves you weight, space and time in the most challenging environments, just add water.
- [email protected]
- Visit Website
- P.O. Box 378 Red Hook, New York 12571 United States
COMMENTS
There are
on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.