ERBIL — After more than a year of absence due to internal issues within his party, Kurdistan Region Peshmerga Minister Shorish Ismail is expected to return to his duties on Sunday, a source said today.

Despite several attempts by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) to replace Ismail, no suitable figure was identified. However, a Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) source has confirmed Kurdistan 24 that Ismail will return to office tomorrow.

"During his visit to the Kurdistan Region in July this year, US Assistant Secretary of Defense Dana Stroll called for the return of the Peshmerga Minister to his job," the source noted.

Ismail's extended absence hindered the execution of vital reforms within the Peshmerga Ministry and impeded collaborative programs with the US-led Coalition.

While Ismail had previously submitted his resignation, the report indicates that there was no compelling reason to accept it, according to the report.