The United States is still working to modernize the Kurdish Peshmerga

The United States is still working to modernize the Kurdish Peshmerga

According to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Peshmerga, the United States will be assisting in the inclusion of two new Peshmerga brigades this year; they will be providing weapons, training, and vehicles. The Ministry’s secretary general, Lieutenant General Jabar Yawar, told local Kurdish media that, “Many times, due to disclosing the type and amount […]

The philosophy of a ‘problem child’

The philosophy of a ‘problem child’

He comes to the platoon, the first week on the job. He is five minutes late to a briefing with the 1st Sgt. since he was busy working out the logistics of the new truck he just bought (which has an APR that’s through the clouds). He’s not good at PT, but you think that […]

Kirkuk governor claims that the K-1 airfield will be open to commercial flights

Kirkuk governor claims that the K-1 airfield will be open to commercial flights

The city of Kirkuk’s acting governor, Rakan Saed al-Jabouri, claimed this week that his governing administration received approval from the central Iraqi government to allow international and domestic flights to utilize Kirkuk’s military airport. The airport is allegedly scheduled to be open to commercial flights starting next week. Governor Jabouri stated that, “The reopening of Kirkuk International […]

Peshmerga deny Iraqi Army forces entry into Kurdistan

Peshmerga deny Iraqi Army forces entry into Kurdistan

The Peshmerga stationed just outside Kirkuk have been chomping at the bit to get back into the city and contribute to security efforts there. However, they have been rebuffed numerous times by the Iraqi government. Now the Iraqi Army is requesting to enter Kurdistan in an effort to hunt down Islamic State militants. Deputy commander […]

Netherlands continues foreign aid efforts in the Middle East

Netherlands continues foreign aid efforts in the Middle East

The Netherlands Foreign Trade Minister, Sigrid Kaag, recently visited Kurdistan, Iraq and Jordan in a move to push rehabilitation efforts in the wake of Islamic State conflict. Primarily they will be focusing on the city of Mosul, further Peshmerga military advisory work and other humanitarian aid programs. Kaag addressed Netherlands press stating that, “It is of […]

The United States looks to find cooperation with Turkey over Manbij

The United States looks to find cooperation with Turkey over Manbij

The United States is attempting to maintain its relationship with the Turkish government, especially now that the elections have concluded and Syria remains a major point of dispute between the two. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recognizes that current diplomatic relations are “difficult with the Turks,” but hopes future agreements of the Syrian city of […]

The most useful skill of all

The most useful skill of all

When you’re learning how to hold your own in combat, there are all sorts of things you need to know. The practical skills come to mind first — how to shoot, how to change magazines and reload, how to react to contact, how to operate various military vehicles, how to conduct effective first aid — […]

PKK ambushes Turkish patrol at extremely close range

PKK ambushes Turkish patrol at extremely close range

Turkey is ramping up their anti-PKK and YPG operations in the Kurdistan region. Presently they are pursuing the PKK headquarters located in Qandil, a mountainous region in northern Iraq. According to reports, the Turkish military has setup 11 combat outposts on the northern Iraq/Turkish border and is using the forward operations points to launch patrols […]

Coalition forces stand by Manbij in the face of Turkish aggression

Coalition forces stand by Manbij in the face of Turkish aggression

According to recent reports by coalition sources, the Turkish military “will not” advance into the Manbij territories in Syria. Manbij is presently under the protection of United States led coalition forces as well as the Manbij Military Council that manages the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stationed in the region. Coalition spokesman, United States Army Colonel […]