Category: US Central Command

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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Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Nov. 12, 2024
Release Number 20241112-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted strikes against an Iranian-backed militia group’s weapons storage and logistics headquarters facility. These strikes were in response to a rocket attack on U.S. personnel at Patrol Base Shaddadi.

There was no damage to U.S. facilities and no injuries to U.S. or partner forces during the attack.

These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.

“We have made it clear that attacks on U.S. personnel, partner forces and facilities will not be tolerated and that we retain the right to defend ourselves. U.S. Central Command, alongside our regional partners, will aggressively pursue any threat to US forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Nov. 11, 2024 
Release Number 20241111-01 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Today, U.S. CENTCOM forces conducted strikes against nine targets in two locations associated with Iranian groups in Syria in response to several attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria over the last 24 hours.

These strikes will degrade the Iranian backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations. 

“Our message is clear. Attacks against U.S. and coalition partners in the region will not be tolerated,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander. “We will continue to take every step necessary to protect our personnel and coalition partners and respond to reckless attacks.”

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

 Nov. 4, 2024 
Release Number 20241104-01 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 TAMPA, Fla. – Since August 29, in partnership with security forces in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) conducted 95 Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS) operations, some of which included unilateral strikes in Syria. These operations resulted in 163 terrorists killed and 33 captured, including over 30 senior and mid-level ISIS leaders. 

These successful operations resulted in the seizure of significant enemy materiel that could aid in future disruptions. 

Sustained pressure on ISIS leaders has constrained their ability to operate and to plan attacks. 

“Alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, we will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists and disrupt their capability to conduct operations against U.S. interests, as well as those of our allies and partners,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command. 

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Oct. 30, 2024
Release Number 20241030-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command forces conducted a series of strikes against several known ISIS camps in Syria, in the early evening of Oct 28, resulting in up to 35 ISIS operatives killed.

The strikes targeted multiple ISIS locations in the Syrian desert, targeting multiple ISIS senior leaders.  

There are no indications of civilian casualties.

The airstrikes will disrupt the ability of ISIS to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians, as well as U.S., allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond. CENTCOM, alongside allies and partners in the region, will continue to aggressively degrade ISIS operational capabilities to ensure its enduring defeat.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Oct. 23, 2024
Release Number 20241023-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – During the early morning of Oct. 22, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), enabled by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), conducted strikes and follow on raids on multiple ISIS locations in Central Iraq, targeting several senior ISIS leaders and killing at least seven ISIS operatives.

During the Iraqi-led operation, two U.S. military personnel were wounded while assisting Iraqi forces with site exploitation. They are in stable condition. 

CJTF-OIR also provided technical support and intelligence that enabled the missions, which will disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq.

The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, detachments from Iraq’s National Security Service, under the supervision and planning of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, successfully conducted the raids on the ISIS locations. 

“U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will aggressively pursue ISIS and other terrorists that pose a threat to US forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Oct. 18, 2024
Release Number 20241018-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2024) – In the past week, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully destroyed 20 one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems (OWAUAS) and Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACMs) in the CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR). These Iranian-supplied weapons, launched episodically by the Houthis and Iranian-Aligned Militia Groups (IAMGs) over several days during the week, posed a significant risk to United States, allies, and partner forces, as well as civilians in the region and beyond. The drones and missiles were downed by a combination of U.S. Air Force and U.S Navy assets deployed to the region.

No U.S. service members were injured in these actions. U.S. and coalition forces remain at a high level of readiness, postured to defend U.S. interests and those of our allies and partners in the region.

Here’s a general timeline of CENTCOM operational activities during the past week:

· As previously released, CENTCOM forces conducted a series of airstrikes Oct. 11 against multiple known ISIS camps in Syria, resulting in at least 35 ISIS operatives killed, to include several ISIS leaders. The strikes will disrupt the ability of ISIS to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against the United States, its allies and partners, and civilians. Battle damage assessments are still underway and do not indicate civilian casualties. U.S. and partner forces continue to execute these critical operations that contribute to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM AOR and the support of regional stability.

• On Oct. 13, at the direction of the President, the Secretary of Defense authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on Oct. 1. The THAAD battery is now integrated into the regional air defense architecture.
• Separately, during the past week, CENTCOM forces conducted a successful strike against a Houthi Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launcher and its associated radar that presented a threat to U.S. and coalition aircraft. Additionally, CENTCOM forces conducted strikes against multiple UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) used to direct Houthi OWAUAS targeting of U.S. and coalition forces against international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. For operations security reasons, we won’t discuss specific dates or locations of these self-defense strikes.
• U.S. and coalition forces assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) twice came under rocket attacks from IAMGs. In both instances, the rockets were successfully intercepted. No U.S. service members were injured in either incident.
• Finally, on the evening of Oct. 16 EDT, CENTCOM forces conducted multiple airstrikes on numerous Iran-backed Houthi weapons storage facilities within Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen that contained various advanced conventional weapons used to target military and civilian vessels navigating international waters throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. CENTCOM forces targeted the Houthi’s hardened underground facilities housing missiles, weapons components, and other munitions used to target military and civilian vessels throughout the region. U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy assets, including U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers, were part of the operation.

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Editor’s Note: This U.S. Central Command Weekly Update replaces the previous daily updates released by the command regarding significant operational activities within the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Oct. 18, 2024
Release Number 20241018-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) conducted precision airstrikes in Northeastern Iraq on Oct. 14 that killed four members of the terrorist organization ISIS, including a senior leader. The Iraqi-led strikes were conducted to disrupt and degrade ISIS attack networks in Iraq and were enabled by technical support and intelligence from Coalition Forces as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR).

The senior leader, Shahadhah ‘Allawi Salih ‘Ulaywi al-Bajjari, also known as Abu Issa, the “Wali of Kirkuk,” was assessed to be the most senior ISIS official in Northern Iraq.

An initial post-strike assessment found explosive “suicide” belts, numerous weapons, explosives, and ammunition. There is no indication of civilian casualties.

Enabling ISF strikes is part of the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel throughout the region and beyond. In August, CJTF-OIR also partnered with the ISF to conduct a raid in Western Iraq, resulting in the death of 14 ISIS operatives.

“ISIS remains a threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland. U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these terrorists,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command.

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