Category: US Central Command

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

TAMPA, Fla.  –  

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosted its 20th annual International Night. This annual event is a cherished celebration of partnership and cultural diversity. Held at MacDill Air Force Base, the event brought together Senior National Representatives (SNRs), from Coalition, Partner and Ally, as well as their families alongside U.S. personnel and members of the Tampa Bay community. This year, representatives from 33 countries participated, making this celebration truly a global event.

The evening was a vivid display of camaraderie and cultural exchange. Coalition representatives and their families volunteered to prepare and serve various dishes renowned for their countries. Guests savored diverse cuisines, admired traditional folklore attire, and gained insight into customs from around the world.

“This celebration goes beyond food and festivity—it’s about fostering understanding and unity among partners who work together to promote peace and stability within CENTCOM’s area of responsibility and beyond,” said French Colonel Asencio Pierre, CENTCOM Combined Strategic Analysis Group, Deputy.

Among the distinguished attendees were Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of the U.S. Central Command; Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, previous CENTCOM commander; Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier, CENTCOM’s Chief of Staff; Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters, CENTCOM’s Senior Enlisted Leader; Gen. Bryan Fenton, commander of United States Special Operation Command; Col. Edward Szczepanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing; Sgt. Maj. Jay Williamson, Marine Corps Forces Central Command’s senior enlisted leader; and Brian Ford, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Chief Operating Officer. Their presence highlighted the significance of this milestone celebration and the unity it represents.

The International Night aims to strengthen the bond amongst the Coalition Nations. It provides a platform for local and military communities to connect and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures contributing to CENTCOM’s mission. As guests wandered through the displays, the message was clear: in diversity lies strength, and in collaboration, progress.

“Events like International Night highlight the strength of our partnerships and the mutual respect that drives our shared mission,” said a Senior National Representative. “When we come together to celebrate our cultures and diversity, we reinforce the unity crucial to achieving peace and stability in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility.”

As the evening ended, International Night once again demonstrated the power of unity through cultural exchange and mutual respect. This cherished tradition reinforces the partnerships and collaboration vital to CENTCOM’s mission of fostering peace, stability, and progress in a complex and interconnected world.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

December 10, 2024
Release Number 20241210-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 9 – 10.

The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, flagged merchant vessels. The reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilians or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated multiple one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews. During a transit on Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, the destroyers successfully defeated an Iran-backed Houthi attack.

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

December 9, 2024
Release Number 20241209-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Gen. Kurilla met with Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-Hunaiti, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, in Amman, Jordan, and discussed efforts to enhance regional cooperation and security, strengthening U.S.-Jordanian military cooperation, as well as the rapidly changing situation on the ground in Syria. Jordan has long served as a reliable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region, and Gen. Kurilla reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Jordan should any threats arise from Syria during the current period of transition.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Dec. 8, 2024
Release Number 20241208-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted dozens of precision airstrikes targeting known ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria, Dec. 8.

The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade, and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria.

The operation struck over 75 targets using multiple U.S. Air Force assets, including B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s.

Battle damage assessments are underway, and there are no indications of civilian casualties.

CENTCOM, together with allies and partners in the region, will continue to carry out operations to degrade ISIS operational capabilities even during this dynamic period in Syria.

“There should be no doubt – we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, “All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way.”

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Dec. 3, 2024
Release Number 20241203-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – This morning, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed several weapon systems in the vicinity of Military Support Site Euphrates that included three truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launchers, a T-64 tank, an armored personnel carrier, and mortars that presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and Coalition forces. The self-defense strike occurred after the truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launcher, armored personnel carrier, and mortars were fired toward U.S. forces.

The U.S. mission in Syria remains unchanged as U.S. and Coalition forces continue to focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS.  The ongoing support of regional partners and operations in Syria are unrelated to recent events in northwest Syria.  CENTCOM forces continue to monitor the situation and remain in constant communication with our other forces in the region as the situation develops.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Dec. 1, 2024
Release Number 20241201-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla – U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and the USS O’Kane (DDG 77) successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1.  The destroyers were escorting three U.S. owned, operated, flagged merchant vessels and the reckless attacks resulted in no injuries and no damage to any vessels, civilian or U.S. Naval.

The destroyers successfully engaged and defeated three anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), three one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), and one anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel, as well as civilian vessels and their crews.

These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, against attacks by Iran-backed Houthis.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Nov. 29, 2024
Release Number 20241129 – 01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Major General Jasper Jeffers, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT), arrived in Beirut on Nov. 27 and will serve as a co-chair, alongside Senior Advisor to the President, Amos Hochstein, for the implementation and monitoring mechanism of the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon.

The cessation of hostilities implementation and monitoring mechanism will be chaired by the United States and consist of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and France.

Amos Hochstein will serve as the civilian co-chair until a permanent civilian official is named.

This group will assist in the monitoring and implementation of the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon that went into effect on Nov. 26.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Nov. 26, 2024 

Release Number 20241126-01 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Nov. 26, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a strike against an Iranian-aligned militia weapons storage facility in Syria. The strike is in response to an Iranian-aligned attack against U.S. forces in Syria yesterday.

CENTCOM conducted this strike against the Iranian backed group’s weapons storage facility to degrade their ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.

“As previously stated, we will not tolerate any attacks on our personnel and coalition partners. We are committed to taking all necessary actions to ensure their protection,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

A battle damage assessment is underway, and we currently do not assess there were any civilian casualties. We will provide updates as they become available.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Nov. 25, 2024
Release Number 20241125-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Commander, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla completed a series of high-level meetings with several key leaders in six Middle East nations, during a seven-day trip through the region, Nov. 16-22.

Gen. Kurilla met with senior military and government officials in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Israel to reaffirm U.S. commitment to regional stability, bolster military-to-military partnerships, and discuss actions required to address current security challenges.

From Nov. 16-18, Gen. Kurilla hosted the CENTCOM Commander’s Conference (CCC) at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Leaders from CENTCOM component and subordinate commands, the interagency, and the Joint Staff discussed the current state of security in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR), opportunities to strengthen security cooperation, and efforts to counter violent extremist organizations (VEOs), such as ISIS and Iranian-backed Houthis.

After the CCC, Nov. 18, Gen. Kurilla met, separately, with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheik Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al-Thani and Chief of Staff Qatari Armed Forces Lieutenant General Jassim Mohammad al Mannai, both of whom are new in their respective positions. The leaders discussed the security situation in the region, their mutual commitment to regional stability, and expanding interoperability and cooperation, such as additional mil-to-mil exchanges and exercises. Qatar is an important strategic U.S. partner, and CENTCOM is firmly committed to building on the strong relationship and shared commitment to regional security.   

From Nov. 18-19, Gen. Kurilla visited Bahrain and met with the National Security Advisor, Sheikh Nasser bin Hammad Al Khalifah, as well as Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF), and members of the BDF staff, where they discussed strengthening cooperation between the U.S. and Bahrain. Gen. Kurilla also emphasized that Bahrain is a vital partner and agreed to continue enhancing interoperability of U.S.-Bahrain forces, which supports readiness and deterrence. Sheikh Nasser and Gen. Kurilla spoke about the many possibilities that the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), signed in September 2023 between the United States and Bahrain, can bring to the Kingdom. They also agreed on the importance of a strong and prosperous Bahrain for the benefit of the entire region.

On Nov. 19-20, Gen. Kurilla visited the UAE and met with Emirati National Security Advisor Sheik Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Emirati Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eisa Sayf Al-Mazouri. The leaders discussed challenges in the region, including the malign and reckless activities by the Houthis, and building on opportunities such as UAE’s strategic relationship with partners throughout the region. Both sides agreed to continue deepening the U.S. security partnership and cooperation with UAE, which was recognized as one of only two Major Defense Partners of the United States. 

On Nov. 20-21, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwayli, Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and his key staff. The focus of the visit was focused on gaining the Saudi perspective on the regional situation and proposed ways ahead. The leaders discussed the regional security challenges and opportunities to reduce and reset tensions in the region.  While in Saudia Arabia, Gen. Kurilla also met with Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz, the Chief of Staff of the of the Yemini Armed Forces, who traveled from Yemen for the visit. The leaders discussed insights into the Iranian-backed Houthis and increased efforts to combat Houthi attacks against on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb. 

On Nov. 21-22, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Jordan and met with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-H’naity, Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff. The leaders discussed building on the long history of cooperation between the two countries, which established diplomatic ties in 1949. The leaders also discussed efforts to enhance regional cooperation and further strengthen the U.S. relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces, which continues to serve as a reliable strategic partner for peace and stability in the region.

On Nov. 22, Gen. Kurilla traveled to Israel and met with Israeli Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin, the IDF Northern Commander, and other key IDF staff to discuss strategic security issues, preparedness against regional threats, Gaza, and efforts toward a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Gen. Kurilla also reiterated the ironclad military-to-military relationship between the U.S. and Israel, before departing the region.

“In these challenging times, it is vital to maintain strong and effective relationships with our partners in the region to safeguard stability and counter malign influence,” said Gen. Kurilla. “Only by sitting down with our partners and seeing the region through their eyes can we truly understand the complexity and nuance that define this critical part of the world. The human connections we forge and the cultural context we gain all contribute to a deeper understanding that can’t be achieved through maps, reports, or briefings alone.”

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Nov. 13, 2024 
Release Number 20241113-01 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces executed a series of precise airstrikes on multiple Houthi weapons storage facilities situated within Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen, Nov. 9-10. These facilities housed a variety of advanced conventional weapons used by the Iran-backed Houthis to target U.S. and international military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The operation involved U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets to include the F-35C.

This targeted operation was conducted in response to the Houthi’s repeated and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping, as well as U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. It also aimed to degrade the Houthi’s ability to threaten regional partners.

Additionally, U.S. Navy destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Spruance (DDG 111), along with U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy aircraft successfully defeated a range of Houthi-launched weapons while transiting the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These forces successfully engaged and defeated eight one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWA UAS), five anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), and four anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), ensuring the safety of the ships and their personnel.

There were no injuries or damage to U.S. personnel or equipment. These actions reflect the ongoing commitment of CENTCOM forces to protect U.S. personnel, regional partners, and international shipping, while maintaining security and stability in the region.

CENTCOM remains vigilant in its efforts to safeguard maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and will continue to take appropriate steps to address any threats to regional stability.

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