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Statement

Statement | Jan. 21, 2026

Readout of CENTCOM Commander’s Call with Syrian President

USCENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins provided the following readout:

CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper spoke with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa by phone Jan. 21.

The two leaders discussed the importance of Syrian government forces adhering to a ceasefire with the Syrian Democratic Forces and supporting the coordinated transfer of ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq. Cooper briefed President al-Sharaa on CENTCOM’s plan for an orderly and secure transfer of up to 7,000 detainees and expressed expectations for Syrian forces as well as all other forces to avoid any actions that could interfere.

The leaders also reaffirmed continued strong commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS in Syria. Preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria makes America, the region, and the world safer.