Gen. Michael Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, visited Syria to assess the anti-ISIS campaign, meet with US troops and Syrian Democratic Forces, and address critical humanitarian and security issues.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Syria on 16 January, where he met with US military leaders, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and other key stakeholders. The visit focused on assessing the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign, addressing the challenges posed by ISIS detainees and displaced persons, and strengthening partnerships for regional stability.
Accompanied by Maj. Gen. Kevin Leahy, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), and Brig. Gen. Michael Brooks, commander of the Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force-Levant (CSOJTF-L), Gen. Kurilla engaged directly with US service members and the SDF. These discussions provided insight into operational strategies and underscored the importance of maintaining momentum against ISIS.
The visit by CENTCOM commanders took place in the shadow of attacks by Turkish-backed mercenaries around Manbij. Numerous civilians have been killed in airstrikes by the Turkish army in the last two weeks
During his visit, General Kurilla toured the al-Hol camp, a displaced persons facility in northeastern Syria that houses over 40,000 individuals, including families with ties to ISIS. He highlighted the risks posed by these camps, describing them as potential incubators for a new generation of extremism in the absence of comprehensive international repatriation and rehabilitation efforts. He also addressed the challenge of managing more than 9,000 ISIS detainees from over 50 countries held in SDF-guarded facilities.
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Gen. Kurilla reaffirmed CENTCOM’s commitment to supporting the repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration of al-Hol and al-Roj camp residents, as well as facilitating the transfer of ISIS detainees to their countries of origin for legal adjudication. “Personal, face-to-face interaction is key to understanding the challenges and opportunities our US service members and partners face every day,” said General Kurilla. “CENTCOM remains committed to our mission, the lasting defeat of ISIS, and regional stability.”
Mazloum Abdi, General Commander of the SDF, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the critical role of international cooperation in ensuring the security of detention facilities and addressing humanitarian needs. Abdi also stressed the importance of US engagement in promoting stability and a durable ceasefire in northeastern Syria.
General Kurilla’s visit to Syria concluded an eight-day regional tour that included stops in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. The tour underscored CENTCOM’s strategic focus on building partnerships and addressing complex regional security challenges.
The visit reaffirmed the US’ commitment to defeating ISIS, supporting international efforts to address humanitarian crises, and promoting stability in Syria and the broader region. Ongoing cooperation between CENTCOM, the SDF, and international partners remains critical to preventing a resurgence of ISIS and ensuring long-term security.