Pesmerga

The term Pesmerga (Kurdish: پێشمەرگە, Pêşmerge) refers to Kurdish guerrilla fighters. The word literally translates to "those who face death" or "those who stand before death." The term is primarily used to describe the armed forces of Iraqi Kurdistan and Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), but is sometimes used more broadly to encompass Kurdish fighters from other regions, such as Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhelat) and Turkish Kurdistan (Bakur).

Historically, the Pesmerga have been involved in numerous conflicts, including resistance against successive Iraqi regimes, fighting against ISIS, and defending Kurdish territory. They operate autonomously but are often aligned with various Kurdish political parties. The Pesmerga's role and legitimacy have been subject to debate, particularly in the context of regional politics and the complex security landscape of the Middle East. Their organization and control vary across different regions and political factions. Their effectiveness has depended greatly on factors such as training, equipment, and the level of international support they receive.