Jan. 19, 2021

U.S. Central Command Statement on explosions in Jurf Sakhar, Iraq

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command Statement on explosions in Jurf Sakhar, Iraq.

Jan. 17, 2021

Aircrews Conduct 2nd “Presence Patrol” of 2021 in Middle East

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Air Force B-52H "Stratofortress" aircrews successfully completed a presence patrol in the Middle East today, marking the second such mission of 2021. Bomber Task Force missions are observable ways to demonstrate the U.S. military's continuing commitment to regional security, said U.S. Central Command’s commander.

Jan. 8, 2021

U.S. Central Command statement on first bomber mission of 2021

TAMPA, Fla. — Two U.S. Air Force B-52H bombers conducted a Bomber Task Force mission today in the Middle East to demonstrate the U.S. military's continuing commitment to regional security and deterrence to aggression.

Dec. 23, 2020

U.S. Central Command Statement on Dec. 20, 2020 Rocket Attack

TAMPA, Fla. — The Dec. 20, 2020 rocket attack on the green zone in Iraq was almost certainly conducted by an Iranian-backed Rogue Militia Group.

Nov. 21, 2020

Bomber Task Force mission demonstrates regional commitment in CENTCOM AOR

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Air Force B-52H “Stratofortress” aircrews assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., conducted a short-notice, long-range mission into the Middle East on Nov. 21 to deter aggression and reassure U.S. partners and allies.

Sept. 29, 2020

Statement From General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., CENTCOM Commander on the Passing of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait

TAMPA, Fla. — On behalf of U.S. Central Command, I want to express our deepest condolences to the people of Kuwait and the family of His Highness Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on the passing of the Amir. His Highness was a valued friend, a trusted partner, and exceptional leader who dedicated his life to the people of Kuwait. The Amir's support to the U.S. military and his dedication to regional security and stability are part of the Amir's legacy that I look forward to our two countries continuing.

Sept. 18, 2020

U.S. Central Command Statement regarding arrival of Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Syria

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command has directed a number of actions in northeast Syria to help ensure the safety and security of Coalition forces. The United States has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of U.S. fighter patrols over U.S. forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment U.S. forces in the Eastern Syria Security Area (ESSA).

Sept. 9, 2020

Excerpt from Gen Frank McKenzie’s speech in Iraq

IRAQ — Moving forward, we must continue our D-ISIS work together with our partners in Iraq and Syria. We are continuing to expand on our partner capacity programs that enable Iraqi forces and allow us to reduce our footprint in Iraq. In recognition of the great progress the Iraqi forces have made and in consultation and coordination with the Government of Iraq and our coalition partners, the United States has decided to reduce our troop presence in Iraq from about 5,200 to 3,000 troops during the month of September. This reduced footprint allows us to continue advising and assisting our Iraqi partners in rooting out the final remnants of ISIS in Iraq and ensuring its enduring defeat. This decision is due to our confidence in the Iraqi Security Forces’ increased ability to operate independently. The U.S. decision is a clear demonstration of our continued commitment to the ultimate goal, which is an Iraqi Security Force that is capable of preventing an ISIS resurgence and of securing Iraq’s sovereignty without external assistance. The journey has been difficult, the sacrifice has been great, but the progress has been significant. Your mission is important and there is still much work to be done- so let’s get back to it.

Aug. 13, 2020

IMSC Statement on the Incident with Motor Tanker Wila

BAHRAIN — Coalition Task Force (CTF) Sentinel, the operational arm of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) monitored an incident involving Iranian forces who boarded a tanker in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, Aug 12. A video captured the moment an Iranian Sea King helicopter hovered above M/T Wila and armed Iranian personnel fast roped aboard the ship. Initial reports indicate two Iranian ships in the vicinity of the incident.

Aug. 6, 2020

Readout of Commander, U.S. Central Command, Gen Frank McKenzie's call with Lebanon Armed Forces Commander, Gen Joseph Aoun

TAMPA, Fla. — Capt. Bill Urban, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, provided the following readout: Gen. Frank McKenzie, Commander, U.S. Central Command, spoke with Lebanon Armed Forces Commander, Gen. Joseph Aoun, to express condolences for the loss of life and devastation caused by the explosion in Beirut's port facility. Gen McKenzie informed Gen Aoun of the impending delivery of three C-17s shipments of U.S. relief supplies including food, water, and medical supplies. Gen McKenzie expressed U.S. willingness to continue to work with the Lebanese Armed Forces to help provide aid and assistance to meet the needs of the Lebanese people during this terrible tragedy. Gen McKenzie expressed a desire to continue to partner with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, and USAID to identify and expedite support for Lebanon's recovery effort. The generals ended the call by agreeing to continue a close dialogue as the recovery effort continues.