April 26, 2019

Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Rukban

The United States is appalled by the Assad regime’s decision to reject the UN request to deliver a convoy of urgently needed humanitarian aid from Damascus to the Rukban encampment. We remain deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Rukban, especially as the Holy Month of Ramadan is about to begin. We urge the Assad regime and Russia to permit deliveries of international humanitarian assistance from Damascus and stop blocking commercial routes to the encampment immediately in order avert further suffering.

April 25, 2019

Readout of Gen Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr.’s Official Visit to Bahrain

"Gen Frank McKenzie, in his first official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain as Commander, U.S. Central Command, was received by HRH Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Kalifa at Gudaibiya Palace. Gen McKenzie also met with HE Field Marshal Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa at the Bahrain Defense Force Headquarters. During the meetings they discussed items of mutual interest including enhanced maritime and security cooperation. Gen McKenzie reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to our bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Bahrain as well as regional security and stability."

March 23, 2019

Statement from Gen. Joseph Votel on liberating the last territory held by Daesh

"U.S. Central Command congratulates the Syrian Democratic Forces for leading the final battle in eliminating the so-called caliphate. The meticulous approach to the campaign was a multi-year effort conducted in a complex environment led by our Iraqi and Syrian partners, and supported by the U.S.-led multi-national Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve. We and our Coalition partners salute the heroic sacrifices of the men and women who fought together against Daesh, and we mourn the losses of the innocent civilians caught in the midst of their reign of terror. While our collective efforts liberated more than seven million civilians from Daesh’s brutality, we recognize the fight is not over. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to pursue and destroy remnants of Daesh, which are attempting to live on as an insurgency. We will continue our collective fight to bring about the enduring defeat of ISIS."

March 19, 2019

U.S./Coalition mission in At Tanf remains unchanged; Displaced persons at Rukban, Syria freedom of movement is unrestricted

"The U.S. continues to maintain a presence in the At Tanf deconfliction zone as a part of our efforts to secure the lasting defeat of ISIS. This deconfliction zone was established in accordance with an understanding between the United States and Russian Federation to deconflict our efforts to defeat ISIS and reduce the possibility of misunderstanding, miscalculation, or unintended conflict with Syrian, Russian or other forces operating in the area.

March 7, 2019

USCENTCOM Statement regarding internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Rukban, Syria

"The U.S. Central Command continues to stand ready with our partners in Syria to provide security within the At Tanf deconfliction zone to UN humanitarian aid convoys to the 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Rukban, as we have repeatedly done in the past. Despite Syrian and Russian propaganda to the contrary, the United States is not restricting the movement of IDPs into or out of the camp at Rukban. The United States fully supports a process to allow IDPs freedom of movement that is free from coercion and allows for safe, voluntary, and dignified departures for those wishing to leave Rukban." - CAPT Bill Urban, USN, USCENTCOM Spokesman

Feb. 21, 2019

Statement from Gen. Joseph Votel, Commander, U.S. Central Command, on the completion of the Central and South Asia Chiefs of Defense Conference, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

"I want to thank President Mirziyoyev and the Ministry of Defense of Uzbekistan for graciously hosting the Central and South Asia Chiefs of Defense Conference. In joining U.S. Central Command in hosting this conference, Uzbekistan is taking a leadership role in advancing security and stability in Central and South Asia.

Jan. 7, 2019

USCENTCOM confirms the death of Jamal al-Badawi

Jamal al-Badawi was a legacy al Qaeda operative in Yemen involved in the USS Cole bombing. U.S. forces confirmed the results of the strike following a deliberate assessment process.

Dec. 1, 2018

Statement from Gen. Joseph Votel, commander, U.S. Central Command

“The entire U.S. Central Command team is saddened by the death of Vice. Adm. Scott Stearney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and shipmates of this fine naval officer and leader. While I am confident U.S. Naval Forces Central Command will continue their important mission of providing maritime security in the central region, I know they will be doing so with heavy hearts.”

Aug. 1, 2018

US CENTCOM Spokesman statement on Iran Naval Exercises

"We are aware of the increase in Iranian naval operations within the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman. We are monitoring it closely, and will continue to work with our partners to ensure freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in international waterways. We also continue to advocate for all maritime forces to conform to international maritime customs, standards and laws."

July 4, 2018

USCENTCOM spokesman statement

"U.S. Central Command partners with many nations to provide and promote security and stability in the region. Together, we stand ready to ensure the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce wherever international law allows."