CENTCOM Commander: ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq
At a Glance
- CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper finalized the complete withdrawal from Erbil Air Base, exiting the primary northern operational hub.
- Full defense responsibility shifted to independent Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
- Future military cooperation transitions to a one-on-one bilateral defense partnership with Baghdad.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper declared that ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq as CENTCOM finalized its complete withdrawal from Erbil Air Base on September 30, shifting full responsibility to independent local forces.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it “completed the orderly departure of U.S. forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base, Sept. 30, marking the end of the Operation Inherent Resolve mission in Iraq.”
- CENTCOM Commander Cooper stressed, “Job well done to the tens of thousands of American service members, diplomats, and civilian personnel who answered the call in Iraq.”
CENTCOM announced on Wednesday that American forces have transitioned from a multinational coalition in Iraq to a direct, one-on-one defense partnership with Baghdad.
Meanwhile, the anti-ISIS command has relocated its headquarters to Jordan to keep managing operations in Syria alongside local and coalition partners.
CENTCOM stated that the anti-ISIS task force has provided critical advice, assistance, and empowerment to local partner forces across Iraq and Syria since its formation in 2014.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that due to the grit, sacrifice, and professionalism of American service members, “ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security and Iraqi security forces, including the Peshmerga and other Iraqi Kurdistan Region security forces, now possess the capacity, leadership, and operational independence to unilaterally manage threats to their homeland.”
CENTCOM further noted that U.S. and Coalition forces initiated their withdrawal from federal Iraq last October, concluding with the final extraction of all personnel and equipment from Erbil Air Base in September.
Situated in northern Iraq, this critical airbase served as the primary operational hub for the anti-ISIS task force and housed the majority of the 1,500 American and allied troops deployed to support counter-terrorism missions.
“As we step back and hand full primary responsibility for Iraq’s security to the Government of Iraq and the brave people of Iraq, U.S. and Coalition forces stationed across the region will remain ready to respond to any ISIS threats that arise,” Cooper added.
Brad Cooper highlighted that keeping U.S. forces alert and prepared is vital to defending the American homeland and reinforcing stability across the region.
FYI
The U.S. military has officially concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, ending a 23-year American presence that began in 2003.
Security responsibility has transitioned entirely to Iraqi and Kurdish forces following the final extraction of personnel from Erbil Air Base in accordance with a phased exit timeline.
Earlier today, Pentagon also announced that the United States and its Coalition partners officially concluded Operation Inherent Resolve.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “We expect the Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga and other security forces in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to lead the continuing effort to secure Iraq and keep ISIS remnants suppressed.”
Parnell noted that the withdrawal process marks the success of a 12-year campaign that defeated ISIS, allowing the mission to transition to an "Iraqi-led security effort supported by a more normal bilateral security relationship."
Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You
Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:
Pentagon Concludes 12-Year Anti-ISIS Mission, Handing Security to Iraq
Iraqi Chief Justice Hails Coalition Exit as 'Inspiring National Milestone'
1 hour ago