Feb. 27, 2018

U.S. Central Command undertaking realignment to meet future concerns

WASHINGTON — U.S. Central Command is undergoing an operational alignment and rebalancing effort to achieve three specific goals based on military progress against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Centcom's commander told the House Armed Services Committee.

Feb. 22, 2018

Iraqi Air Force Air Academy reopening

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- In support of the Government of Iraq’s reopening of the Iraqi Air Force Air Academy at Balad Air Base, Feb 21, 2018, the Coalition Aviation Advisory and Training Team will provide mentorship on topics ranging from aviation safety and flight discipline, to officer professional development and familiarity with aircraft technical orders to its first class of cadets.

Feb. 20, 2018

Exercise Khunjar Haad Concludes

GULF OF OMAN — The U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Navy of Oman, United Kingdom’s Royal Navy and French Marine Nationale concluded Exercise Khunjar Haad, Feb. 8.

Feb. 13, 2018

Mattis Hails Strong Collaboration in Defeat-ISIS Coalition

WASHINGTON — The coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria continues to grow while remaining resolute in its focus to the mission, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said following a defeat-ISIS meeting in Rome.

Feb. 13, 2018

As Emphasis Shifts to Sustaining Military Gains, Progress To Defeat ISIS Continues

WASHINGTON — Significant progress in the fight to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has resulted in a shift in focus to sustaining military gains in Iraq, the commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command said.

Feb. 12, 2018

Mattis Looks to NATO, Future of ISIS Fight

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told reporters that he plans to discuss the way ahead against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as well as the future of NATO during a six-day trip to meet with defense leaders from around the world.

Feb. 8, 2018

Afghanistan’s Military Primed to “Cripple” Enemies, Thanks to Increased Air Capabilities

KABUL, Afghanistan (February 7, 2018) – A strong Afghan Air Force just got a whole lot stronger, according to U.S. Air Force Major General James Hecker, director, NATO Air Command-Afghanistan.

Feb. 7, 2018

U.S. Forces Strike Taliban, East Turkestan Islamic Movement Training Sites

WASHINGTON — U.S. forces conducted air operations to strike Taliban and East Turkestan Islamic Movement training facilities in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, the commander of NATO air operations in Afghanistan said.

Feb. 6, 2018

New Air Campaign Expands to the North

KABUL, Afghanistan (February 6, 2018) – United States Forces-Afghanistan launched a series of precision strikes in Northern Afghanistan in a direct effort to destroy insurgent revenue sources, training facilities, and support networks. Over the past 96 hours, U.S. forces conducted air operations to strike Taliban training facilities in Badakhshan province, preventing the planning and rehearsal of terrorist acts near the border with China and Tajikistan. The strikes also destroyed stolen Afghan National Army vehicles that were in the process of being converted to vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.

Feb. 2, 2018

Afghan forces apply pressure to insurgents with renewed resolve

KABUL, Afghanistan – Recent high-profile attacks against innocent Afghans, thriving economic centers, and even charitable organizations exhibit both the shifting tactics of the enemies of Afghanistan and their willingness to commit war crimes and murder. "Taliban must choose between Islam and terrorism, between humanity and barbarism,” said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Jan. 29. "Those who consider themselves Muslims and Afghans must now separate themselves, in words and actions, from those barbaric puppets of religious manipulators and intelligence agencies.”