Jan. 7, 2020

DOD Statement on Iranian Ballistic Missile Attacks in Iraq

Statement from Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman: At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.

Dec. 29, 2019

Statement From Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Jonathan Hoffman

In response to repeated Kata'ib Hizbollah (KH) attacks on Iraqi bases that host Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces, U.S. forces have conducted precision defensive strikes against five KH facilities in Iraq and Syria that will degrade KH's ability to conduct future attacks against OIR coalition forces.

Dec. 12, 2019

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper at the House Armed Services Committee Hearing on Syria and Middle East Policy

Chairman Smith, Ranking Member Thornberry, and distinguished members of the Committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on the security situation in Syria and the broader Middle East.

Nov. 1, 2019

U.S. Central Command welcomes Albania's participation in the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC)

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command welcomes Albania's participation in the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC). Albania is the seventh nation to join this crucial multinational effort to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce through key waterways in the Middle East. Albania is joining the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain in contributing to the IMSC. Freedom of navigation is a vital international norm that the international community must work together to protect.

Oct. 28, 2019

Statement by Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper on the Operation to Capture or Kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

"This is a great day for America and a great day for the world. Last night, US joint special operations forces and interagency partners flawlessly executed a Commander-in-Chief directed operation to capture or kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. As a result, al-Baghdadi, who led the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorist movement and inspired one of the most brutal and misguided terror campaigns in modern history, is dead at the hands of the United States military.

Oct. 7, 2019

Office of the Secretary of Defense statement on Northern Syria

WASHINGTON D.C. — "The Department of Defense made clear to Turkey - as did the President - that we do not endorse a Turkish operation in Northern Syria. The U.S. Armed Forces will not support, or be involved in any such operation."

Oct. 3, 2019

Coalition calls for reduced tensions in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — “The Coalition is monitoring reports of protests. We call on all sides to reduce tensions and reject violence. The loss of life and injuries—among civilians and Iraqi Security Forces—is deeply concerning. We believe that peaceful, public rallies are a fundamental element of all democracies; there is no place for violence in those demonstrations. We rely on protection from Iraqi Security Forces. This morning’s explosions in the International Zone are under investigation by Iraqi Security Forces; we appreciate the ISF’s rapid response. No Coalition facility was struck. Coalition troops always reserve the right to defend ourselves, attacks on our personnel will not be tolerated. The Coalition is here at the invitation of the Government of Iraq, and we continue to support them in the mission to defeat Daesh (ISIS) remnants and achieve long-term regional security.” ~Col. Myles B. Caggins III, Coalition Spokesman

Sept. 27, 2019

DOD Statement on Deployment of U.S. Forces and Equipment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Attributed to Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman: "In light of recent attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and at their invitation, Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper announced today that the U.S. would deploy the following equipment to the kingdom:

Sept. 19, 2019

Statement from General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., Commander, U.S. Central Command, Welcoming the United Arab Emirates into the International Maritime Security Construct

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command welcomes the United Arab Emirates into the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).

Sept. 18, 2019

Statement from General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., Commander, U.S. Central Command, Welcoming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the International Maritime Security Construct

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command welcomes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).