U.S. and Iraqi officials are meeting at the Pentagon to discuss the transition of the global coalition mission against the Islamic State in Iraq to a lasting bilateral security partnership, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. The Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue meetings, building on the work of the Higher Military Commission (HMC), will continue tomorrow. The HMC was established following an April meeting between President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in Washington.
“This dialogue reflects both nations’ commitment to strengthen the bilateral security relationship, acknowledging the upcoming 10-year anniversary of the Global Coalition’s military mission in Iraq,” Ryder stated.
The U.S. delegation includes representatives from U.S. Central Command, the Joint Staff, State Department, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, and the National Security Council. The Iraqi delegation comprises members from Iraq’s Ministry of Defense, armed forces, Counterterrorism Service, and Kurdish Peshmerga. A readout of the meeting will be provided upon its conclusion.
The HMC has assessed ISIS operational capabilities and the readiness of Iraqi security forces. The Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue will review these findings and consider the future of the coalition and U.S.-Iraq bilateral security cooperation.
Separately, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III communicated with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant as Israel launched attacks on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, following Houthi attacks on Tel Aviv. “Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israeli security and right to self-defense,” Ryder said. U.S. forces did not participate in the Israeli operation.–News Desk