Kurdish forces in Kurdistan operate across Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran, split into key factions with autonomy goals amid regional tensions as of early 2026. Major groups like Peshmerga in Iraq and SDF/YPG in Syria face state pressures and rivalries.
Peshmerga (KDP-led): Official forces of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), primarily under Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Barzani family.
• Strategic Objectives: Secure KRG autonomy within Iraq, protect against ISIS remnants, and defend oil-rich areas like Kirkuk.
• Allies: US (historically against ISIS), Iraqi federal forces (coordinated), tacitly Turkey for border security.
• Enemies: Iranian-backed PMF militias, ISIS, PKK (territorial clashes in northern Iraq).
Peshmerga (PUK-led): Peshmerga units under Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), controlling Sulaymaniyah areas.
• Strategic Objectives: Maintain influence in KRG, balance KDP power, support federal Iraq ties for stability.
• Allies: Iraqi central government, Iran (via influence), US against ISIS.
• Enemies: KDP Peshmerga (rivalries), PMF (clashes), ISIS.
SDF/YPG (Syria): Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), dominated by People’s Protection Units (YPG/YPJ), Kurdish-led multi-ethnic coalition.
• Strategic Objectives: Govern northeast Syria (Rojava), counter ISIS, seek autonomy or integration under federal Syria.
• Allies: US (anti-ISIS partner), formerly Russia/Syria regime (shifting).
• Enemies: Syrian government (al-Shara regime forcing integration), Turkey/SNA proxies, ISIS resurgence.
PKK and Affiliates: Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), HPG military wing; offshoots like TAK, YPS; bases in Iraq’s Qandil Mountains.
• Strategic Objectives: Kurdish rights/autonomy across Turkey, Iraq, Syria; announced disbandment intent in 2025 but operations persist.
• Allies: Syrian Kurds (YPG links), some Iranian Kurds (PJAK), HBDH coalition.
• Enemies: Turkey (primary), KRG/Peshmerga (territorial disputes), Iran.
