Forces 70 Command Discusses Establishment of Regional Command with U.S. Military Delegation

Forces 70's Media Office

Major General Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, and Colonel Stephanie Bagley, Defence Attaché at the U.S. Embassy.

Major General Omar Salih Hassan, Commander of Forces 70, received Colonel Stephanie Bagley, Defence Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Colonel Dick Pylowick, head of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region, Major Benson, Commander of the Global Coalition's Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFAB), and their accompanying delegation on Monday, 5 January 2026.

The meeting was attended by Polo Shalaw Ali Askari, the Forces 70 Intelligence Officer, and Mozafar Saeed, Director of the Forces 70's  General Relations and Coordination. Discussions focused on the latest developments related to the establishment of the Regional Command and its authorities, as well as a comprehensive review of the programmes and plans implemented during the previous phase of the process.

During the meeting, the Commander of the Forces 70 outlined the key challenges and obstacles encountered throughout the current and earlier stages of the operation. He presented a number of practical proposals and solutions aimed at advancing the process and overcoming existing difficulties. Major General Hassan stressed that the formation of the Regional Command must be based on a clear strategic vision, carefully developed plans, and a strong organisational structure, given its direct connection to the future of the Peshmerga forces and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

He emphasised the importance of unifying efforts and making effective use of the current phase to build a unified, professional and resilient Peshmerga force. He also called on the visiting delegation to continue supporting the Peshmerga by helping to remove obstacles and address challenges to ensure the success of the unification process, reaffirming Forces 70’s full readiness to complete the project.

Major General Hassan also praised the continued support provided by U.S. forces to the Peshmerga, noting that this support began at the outset of the war against terrorism and was particularly evident during the fight against the Islamic State.

Part of the meeting was devoted to discussing the provisions of the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Peshmerga and the U.S. Department of War, with both sides underscoring the importance of adhering to and fully implementing its terms.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the recent sabotage attacks targeting the Khor Mor gas field and their repercussions for the region and its residents. Both sides stressed the need for effective measures to prevent such attacks in the future, safeguard public security, and thwart any terrorist attempts aimed at destabilising the region.



PUKMEDIA