Qais Al-Khazali joins chorus against arming Peshmerga, sparking Kurdish criticism

BAGHDAD — Qais Al-Khazali, leader of the Shia militia Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq, and Mohammed Al-Halbousi, head of the Sunni Taqadum party and former parliament speaker, have aligned to oppose arming the Kurdish Peshmerga forces, triggering sharp responses from Kurdish officials.

During a speech marking the anniversary of the Al-Sadiqoun Bloc, Al-Khazali said he opposed providing heavy artillery to the Peshmerga, asserting that such weapons should remain with Iraq’s national military.

“We oppose the transfer of Howitzer artillery to the Peshmerga or any local forces except the Iraqi army. This error must be corrected by returning the weapons to the federal military,” Al-Khazali said.

Kifah Mahmoud, media advisor to the Barzani Headquarters, rejected Al-Khazali’s remarks. “The Peshmerga will not accept instructions or dictates from any external party,” Mahmoud said, adding that the Iraqi constitution recognizes the Peshmerga as part of the national defense system.

“According to the constitution, the Peshmerga forces are fully entitled to receive weapons and ammunition, reflecting their long history of fighting dictatorships and oppressive regimes,” Mahmoud added.

Sherwan Dubardani, a Kurdistan Democratic Party lawmaker, criticized Al-Khazali’s comments in an interview with Al-Dijla TV. “The message from Al-Khazali is naturally rejected by the Kurds,” Dubardani said. “We’re used to these political statements. When a politician runs out of ideas, they resort to digging up old grievances.”

Al-Halbousi, who for the first time publicly voiced opposition to Peshmerga armament, sparked controversy on Sept. 15 by stating that local forces, including the Peshmerga, should not receive heavy artillery, arguing it could escalate conflicts in disputed areas like Nineveh and Kirkuk.

Peshawa Hawramani, a spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government, responded to Al-Halbousi’s statements by accusing him of disrespecting the region. “Loyalty is expensive; don’t expect it from someone cheap,” Hawramani said in a statement.

The controversy follows the Aug. 6 delivery of heavy weapons, including artillery, to the Peshmerga by the U.S. and coalition forces. Kurdish leaders welcomed the transfer, with Peshmerga Minister Shoresh Ismail calling it a “historic day” and thanking Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani for facilitating the process.

In a Sept. 20 interview with Al Sharqiya TV, Al-Halbousi reiterated his concerns, questioning the need for heavy artillery in the hands of the Peshmerga. “What weapons does the Peshmerga need, and against whom would they use them?” he asked.

The Peshmerga, recognized under Iraq’s constitution as part of the Kurdistan Region’s defense force, operate under the authority of the Kurdistan Regional Government. While not formally integrated into the Iraqi army, Article 121 of the constitution grants the KRG the right to maintain internal security forces, including the Peshmerga, as part of Iraq’s broader defense framework.