Dec. 11, 2023

CENTCOM Statement on missile attack in the Bab-el-Mandeb

At around 4 p.m. EST on December 11, the Motor Tanker STRINDA was attacked by what is assessed to have been an Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) launched from a Houthi controlled area of Yemen while passing through the Bab-el-Mandeb. The STRINDA reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time. There were no US ships in the vicinity at the time of the attack, but the USS MASON responded to the M/T STRINDA's mayday call and is currently rendering assistance.

Dec. 5, 2023

Rockets targeted a U.S. base in Syria

At approximately 2:15 p.m. on Dec. 3, 15 122mm rockets originating in Iraq were fired at the U.S. base Rumalyn Landing Zone in Syria. There were no injuries to personnel or damage to equipment. Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve located the point of origin with uncrewed ISR assets and passed the location to Iraqi Security Forces who moved to and investigated the site. A fuel truck modified to launch up to 20 rockets was located at the site.

Dec. 4, 2023

U.S. Central Command engages militants in self-defense

On December 3, near Kirkuk, Iraq, forces assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) engaged five militants preparing to launch a one-way attack drone. CJTF-OIR forces responded in self-defense with an armed U.S. unmanned aerial system, killing all five militants and destroying the drone. Iraqi Security Forces were notified of the strike and responded to the location, where they confirmed the death of the militants and the destruction of the drone. The United States will continue to defend U.S. and coalition personnel from attacks. ​

Nov. 21, 2023

U.S. Central Command Statement on U.S. air strikes

TAMPA, Fla. – On 21 Nov. an AC-130 gunship engaged individuals responsible for launching a missile attack on U.S. and Coalition personnel at Al Assad Airbase, Iraq. The gunship maintained visual confirmation of the individuals from the time of the launch to the time of engagement. This strike resulted in several enemy casualties.

Nov. 15, 2023

U.S. Central Command statement on drone shoot down

TAMPA, Fla. – On November 15th, while transiting the international waters of the Red Sea, the crew of the USS Thomas Hudner engaged a drone that originated from Yemen and was heading in the direction of the ship. The Hudner’s crew engaged and shot down the drone to ensure the safety of U.S. personnel. There were no U.S. casualties or any damage to the ship.

Nov. 13, 2023

U.S. Central Command statement on 3rd U.S. Air Force Bomber Task Force Mission

TAMPA, Fla. – For the third time in eight days, B-1 Lancers conducted missions in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility demonstrating the ability to rapidly project combat power.

Nov. 12, 2023

U.S. Central Command Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla's statement on U.S. air strikes in Syria

TAMPA, Fla. – “Today, in response to continued provocations by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and their affiliated groups in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) conducted air strikes against facilities near the cities of Abu Kamal and Mayadin,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander. “The United States will continue to defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.”

Nov. 8, 2023

U.S. Central Command statement on Syria strike

TAMPA, Fla. – Following a series of attacks against U.S. persons in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces conducted an air strike against a facility in Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups.

Nov. 8, 2023

U.S. Air Force conducts Bomber Task Force Mission

TAMPA, Fla. – On November 8, 2023, and for the second time in three days, a U.S. B-1 Lancer conducted a mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. U.S. F-16s escorted the bomber.

Sept. 15, 2023

Statement Attributable to Michael T. Lawhorn, CENTCOM spokesperson

“In November 2021, U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) completed its investigation into the August 26, 2021 terrorist attack at Abbey Gate. The tragic bombing claimed the lives of 13 American heroes and more than 170 innocent Afghan civilians. The ARCENT-led investigation reviewed thousands of pages of documents and obtained information from more than 130 witnesses. Since the completion of that investigation, some service members have publicly testified about their experiences at Abbey Gate and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.