US General Visits Syria And Iraq Amidst Changing Situation

Then Lt. Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla gives a speech March 5, 2021, in Fort Campbell, Ky. Army Gen. Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, told a Senate committee Thursday, March 7, 2024, that explodin

The top US military commander for the Middle East region visited Syria on Tuesday and held meetings with the Syrian Democratic Forces following the recent fall of the Syrian regime to rebel forces. General Erik Kurilla visited US military commanders, servicemembers, and the Syrian Democratic Forces at various bases in Syria on December 10. The visit aimed to assess force protection measures, understand the evolving situation, and discuss ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from taking advantage of the current circumstances.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group, are crucial allies of the US in the mission to combat ISIS in Syria. Currently, there are approximately 900 US troops stationed in Syria to support this mission.

The visit aimed to assess force protection measures and discuss anti-ISIS efforts.

General Erik Kurilla visited Syria to meet with Syrian Democratic Forces.

Syrian Democratic Forces are crucial allies of the US in combating ISIS in Syria.

After his engagements in Syria, General Kurilla proceeded to Baghdad, where he met with the Iraqi prime minister, military leaders, and the US commander of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. The discussions in Baghdad focused on evaluating the progress of the anti-ISIS mission in both Iraq and Syria.