U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Statements

TAMPA, Fla. Aug. 29, 2021

U.S. Central Command statement on defensive strike in Kabul

U.S. military forces conducted a self-defense unmanned over-the-horizon airstrike today on a vehicle in Kabul, eliminating an imminent ISIS-K threat to Hamad Karzai International airport.

TAMPA, Fla. Aug. 27, 2021

U.S. Central Command statement on counterterrorism strike on ISIS-K planner

U.S. military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation today against an ISIS-K planner.

TAMPA, Fla. Aug. 26, 2021

Statement by U.S. Central Command on the Attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport

I can confirm that subsequent to Gen. McKenzie's remarks, a thirteenth U.S. service member has died from his wounds suffered as a result of the attack on Abbey Gate.

Aug. 23, 2021

CENTCOM Statement on Exchange of Recent Gunfire Exchange at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Aug. 23, 2021

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of U.S. Central Command, arrives at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan on August 17, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Capt. William Urban)

TAMPA, Fla Aug. 17, 2021

Statement from Commander, U.S. Central Command, Gen Frank McKenzie

Today, I had an opportunity to evaluate the situation at Hamid Karzai International Airport and engage with U.S. military leaders on the ground providing security to the airport. I saw firsthand our defensive lay down and the work our forces are doing to efficiently operate the airfield while ensuring the safe movement of civilians and diplomats who are leaving Kabul.

TAMPA, Fla. Aug. 16, 2021

U.S. Central Command Statement on C-17 Flight from Hamid Karzai International Airport

We can confirm that a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transported approximately 640 Afghan citizens from Hamid Karzai International Airport Sunday night.

Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander, U.S. Central Command addresses the press in Kabul about the security situation in Afghanistan, July 25, 2021. McKenzie reiterated U.S. support to the government’s plan for the defense of Afghanistan through air strikes, contract logistics support, intelligence sharing, and funding for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). “Specific support that I reassured the government that we are continuing to provide includes airstrikes in defense of ANDSF forces under attack by the Taliban, contract logistics support both here in Kabul and over-the-horizon in the region, funding for them, intelligence sharing, and advising and assisting through security consultations at the strategic level,” said McKenzie. (U.S. Central Command Public Affairs courtesy photo)

July 26, 2021

Gen McKenzie press availability opening remarks, Kabul, Afghanistan July 25, 2021

Gen McKenzie - Thank you or joining me here today. I want to give you an update to our continuing assistance to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and and the ANDSF.

July 16, 2021

Readout from Gen. McKenzie’s office call with Jordan’s King Abdullah bin Hussein II

U.S. Central Command’s Gen. Frank McKenzie met with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in Tampa today.

June 22, 2021

Readout from Gen. McKenzie’s office call with Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command’s Gen. Frank McKenzie met with Israel Defense Forces Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi in Tampa today. The leaders discussed a range of issues, such as the situation in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza, the current security challenges emanating from the Middle East and the ongoing effort to realign Israel from U.S. European Command to CENTCOM.

June 17, 2021

Readout from Gen. McKenzie's visit with Egyptian Minister of Defense and Military Production General Mohamed Zaki and Egyptian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohamed Farid Hegazy in Cairo, June 15, 2021

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command Commander General Frank McKenzie met with Egyptian Minister of Defense and Military Production General Mohamed Zaki and Egyptian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohamed Farid Hegazy in Cairo June 15. Both sides reiterated their commitment to the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Partnership and discussed shared security