Latest News

Press Releases

CJTF-OIR News

News Archives

Press Release Archive

U.S. Army Gen. Joseph Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command, addresses the Marines and Sailors aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), June 22, 2018. Votel, Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and other distinguished visitors took a tour of Iwo Jima and spoke with crew members and Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who are currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jon Sosner/Released)

July 19, 2018

South Asia strategy working in Afghanistan, CENTCOM commander says

WASHINGTON — While the fighting continues and work remains to be done in Afghanistan, progress there shows the president’s South Asia Strategy is working, the commander of U.S. Central Command told Pentagon reporters.

Gen. Joseph L. Votel, commanding general, U.S. Central Command, spoke to participants about the regional priorities addressed in the U.S. National Security Strategy, to include the impacts of Iranian malign influence, at the 2018 Senior Strategy Session – Arabian Peninsula / Levant in Arlington, Va, July 9, 2018. The conference promoted the successes of ongoing coalition action against emerging threats and improved shared understanding of regional land force counterparts to invest in the right capabilities to achieve better interoperability and greater effectiveness in pursuing mutual national interests. Over the four-day conference, speakers and participants will engage in discussions centering on the complexities and lessons learned from Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental and Multinational (JIIM) efforts during ongoing theater campaigns that have global implications. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Von Marie Donato)

July 16, 2018

USARCENT hosts 2018 senior strategy session

ARLINGTON, Va — U.S. Army Central hosted leaders from eight partner nations for the 2018 Senior Strategy Session – Arabian Peninsula / Levant here July 9-12.

An airman sits on a ledge and aims a rifle against a deep blue, moonlit sky.

July 11, 2018

DoD IT efforts focus on warfighter, competitive edge, CIO says

ARLINGTON, Va. — Today's warfighter needs access to intelligence and communication to enable quick decision-making and maintain a competitive edge, and the Defense Department's information technology efforts are focused on maintaining this edge and supporting national defense priorities, DoD’s chief information officer said.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician 2nd Class Matt Strong (right) and EOD Technician 3rd Class Joe Krzemien return to the boat following a dive during exercise Resolute Response (RR) 18. RR18 is a bilateral EOD, diving and visit, board, search and seizure engagement with the U.S. and Lebanese Armed Forces to enhance military-to-military cooperation and counter maritime threats (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Neal Blair/Released)

July 9, 2018

US, Lebanese Armed Forces complete Resolute Response 18

JOUNIEH, Lebanon — U.S. and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) participated in exercise Resolute Response (RR) 18 at Jounieh Naval Base, Lebanon, June 25-July 6.

The Egyptian Navy ship El Zafer (F951), front, steams alongside the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) during a passing exercise (PASSEX). Dunham is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Clay/Released)

July 5, 2018

USS Jason Dunham and Egyptian Navy conduct PASSEX

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS — The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) and the Egyptian Navy frigate El Zafer (F951) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX), July 1.

A helicopter fires flares against a snowy mountain backdrop.

July 3, 2018

DoD releases report on enhancing security, stability in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has provided its semiannual report to Congress on enhancing security and stability in Afghanistan, a reporting period that marks the first campaign season to begin under the conditions-based South Asia Strategy announced by President Donald J. Trump in August.

Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, takes part in arrival ceremonies at the 179th Military Committee in Chiefs of Defense Session at the new NATO headquarters building in Brussels, May 16, 2018. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Dominique A. Pineiro

July 2, 2018

Global integration seeks to buy leaders decision time, increase ‘speed of relevance’

WASHINGTON — Under the new National Defense Strategy, Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his successors must work to speed senior leaders’ decision-making, integrate operations worldwide and deliver forces capable of winning against any possible adversary.

U.S. soldiers and Iraqi Security Force fire a howitzer.

June 29, 2018

Iraqi, U.S. guns bring ‘steel rain’ to ISIS

SOUTHWEST ASIA — Iraqi security forces, working alongside troopers from the 3rd Cavalry Regiment “Brave Rifles” and Marines and sailors from other units of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, arrived weeks ago to establish the temporary fire support base in northwestern Iraq along the Syrian border.

U.S. Central Command

June 27, 2018

Centcom official highlights interagency partnerships in stabilization

WASHINGTON — The Defense Department is working in partnership with the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to maximize U.S. efforts for stability in conflict-affected areas, a U.S. Central Command official said.

An Mi-17 aircraft from the Afghan air force prepares to land at the Regional Military Training Center-Kandahar during a medical evacuation exercise.

June 27, 2018

Afghan Air Force growth pays off in fight against Taliban, official says

WASHINGTON — The Afghan air force has grown in capacity and proficiency as it continues to successfully target the Taliban across Afghanistan, working with the coalition in an effort to pressure the terrorist group into reconciliation, the deputy air commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission said.