International Coalition appoints new commander for its forces in Syria and Iraq

US Brigadier General Kevin Lambert assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), succeeding Major General Kevin Leahy, during a ceremony held at Union III Base in Baghdad's Green Zone. The ceremony was attended by the commander of US Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, and Iraqi and US officials.

According to the Long War Journal website, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received Kurilla, former Commander Leahy, and the new Commander Lambert in his office, along with the US Chargé d'Affaires in Baghdad, Stephen Fagin.

The ceremony was attended by the commander of US Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, and a number of US and Iraqi officials.

Al-Sudani's office reported that the meeting discussed the future of security cooperation between Iraq and the international coalition, reviewed the stages and developments of the relationship, and discussed the implications of the situation in Syria for regional security.

And added that "the meeting included a review of aspects of cooperation between Iraq and the international coalition, its various stages of development, and preparations for transitioning to bilateral security relations with coalition countries."

The international coalition against ISIS previously affirmed its continued efforts aimed at undermining the extremist group's capabilities in Syria, noting that it is in direct contact with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to address "potential terrorist threats."

The US-led international coalition said in a post on the X platform that it is working on a "well-planned reinforcement" of its forces in NE Syria, noting that the redeployment of its forces is "part of a deliberate process linked to field conditions, aimed at undermining ISIS's capabilities and enhancing regional stability."

The coalition also noted that it is working "in close coordination with partners to confront ISIS," referring to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stressing that "special task forces continue to work with coalition partners to maintain pressure on ISIS and address potential terrorist threats."

ANHA