SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The U.S. military logistic assistance to the Peshmerga forces reflects on the success of partnership between the Coalition forces and the Kurdish forces in the fight against Islamic State (ISIS), a U.S.-led Coalition spokesman said on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the U.S. military armed Infantry Brigades 14 and 16 of the Ministry of Peshmerga with military equipment.
“The U.S. Military logistics support to the Peshmerga reflects on the extraordinary success of our alliance and partnership throughout the campaign to #DefeatDaesh,” U.S.-led Coalition spokesperson Col. Wayne Marotto said in a tweet.
“The U.S. & @CJTFOIR remain resolved with our trusted and capable partners to ensure that Daesh can never return.” Marotto tweeted.
In a ceremony in Erbil, the U.S. military handed over 150 Humvees and a number of military trucks and equipment including weapons and radios to the Ministry of Peshmerga.
Minister of Peshmerga Shorish Ismael said in a press conference that the U.S. military assistance would help the Peshmerga forces further strengthen their ability.
“Today, the friendship between the Kurdish and U.S. nations enters a stronger stage by this assistance,” Ismael added. “We hope this partnership will continue.”
U.S. Brigadier General John Teichert said the Peshmerga ministry’s warehouses had been filled with military equipment including weapons, vehicles and radios.
“As you see, this equipment put in action. I want you to think about these pieces of equipment as tangible and lasting signs of the commitment of the people of the United States to the people of the Iraqi Kurdish region,” he added.
“The equipment in these warehouses is going to improve the readiness of the Peshmerga, but the real national treasure are those brave men and women forces of the Peshmerga that will use this equipment against a determined adversary,” he continued.
It was the second U.S. logistic assistance to the Peshmerga forces this year. In September, the United States provided the Kurdish forces with military equipment worth $250 million.
