The Chief of the General Staff of the Iraqi Armed Forces, Gen. Abdel Emir Rashid Yarallah and the Commander of U.S. Central Command, Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla co-chaired the inaugural U.S.-lraq Higher Military Commission Principals Meeting on April 8, 2024. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a process toward an orderly transition from the mission of the international Coalition for the Defeat of ISIS in Iraq to enduring bilateral security partnerships between Iraq and the United States and other countries of the Coalition. The principals also committed to building broader security cooperation between the United States and Iraq, which will contribute to the region's stability and security.
The Higher Military Commission is a military-to-military dialogue between Iraqi and U.S. defense leaders and professionals. Since its launch in January 2024, the three subcommittees established by the Higher Military Commission have conducted meetings in Baghdad supported by Coalition members, to discuss the threat of ISIS, the operational environment, and the capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces.
Principals reflected on the historic achievements and sacrifices made in the fight to defeat ISIS; the enduring efforts to prevent ISIS resurgence; and the support to Iraqi sovereignty, stability, and unity. Both sides committed to providing assessments through the Higher Military Commission process that will inform decisions by national leaders of both countries on the timeline for transition of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve to an enduring bilateral security partnership.
The successful completion of this inaugural Principals Meeting underscores the two nations' commitment and progress toward an enduring U.S.-lraq bilateral defense relationship.
