Statements

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.

May 28, 2023

Eagle Resolve 23 Exercise with Saudi Arabia

Today, U.S. Central Command, Saudi Armed Forces, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) partner nations begin exercise Eagle Resolve 23 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This exercise strengthens collective U.S.-Saudi and GCC readiness and improves the interoperability of the forces, contributing to regional stability.

April 27, 2023

Statement from General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, on seizure of a Merchant Vessel in the Gulf of Oman

"The illegal seizure of a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in international waters in the Gulf of Oman by the Iranian Navy is another in a continuing series of violations of Iran of the international rules-based order. This kind of harassing activity is commensurate with an established pattern of Iranian behavior that places the security and stability of the Middle East at risk."

Feb. 16, 2023

Statement from CENTCOM Commander, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, on the repatriation of 59 women and children from Syrian conflict zones to Kyrgyzstan

"We are grateful to the leadership of the Kyrgyz Republic for working to resolve the ongoing humanitarian crisis resulting from the dismantling of the so-called ISIS caliphate. The only long-term solution to this crisis remains the successful repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of residents back to their countries of origin. In concert with our regional partners, CENTCOM will continue to support theses repatriation efforts using resources such as aircraft."

Nov. 20, 2022

Statement regarding Iranian strikes near Erbil, Iraq

Statement from General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, U.S. CENTCOM commander: “We condemn this evening’s Iranian cross-border missile and unmanned aerial vehicle strikes near Erbil, Iraq. Such indiscriminate and illegal attacks place civilians at risk, violate Iraqi sovereignty, and jeopardize the hard-fought security and stability of Iraq and the Middle East.”

Sept. 28, 2022

Statement regarding Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ unprovoked attack in Iraq’s Erbil Governorate

TAMPA, Fla. — “US Central Command condemns the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ unprovoked attack in Iraq’s Erbil Governorate this morning. Such indiscriminate attacks threaten innocent civilians and risk the hard-fought stability of the region. “No US forces were wounded or killed as a result of the strikes and there is no damage to US equipment.

Sept. 22, 2022

U.S. Central Command statement on Thwarted Suicide Bomber Attack near Um Fakik Village, Syria

TAMPA, Fla. — Statement from Colonel Joe Buccino, CENTCOM communications director: "At approximately 12:25 am on Sept. 20th, seven ISIS fighters in two vehicles headed in the direction of the Internally Displaced Persons camp at al-Hol were interdicted by U.S. partnered Syrian Democratic Forces.