CENTCOM Commander Wraps Up Regional Tour with Focus on Security and Partnership

TDT | Manama

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U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla, has completed a 15-day visit to 11 countries in the Middle East, Central, and South Asia, aimed at strengthening military partnerships and understanding regional challenges.

Between July 20 and August 2, Gen. Kurilla met with servicemembers, Chiefs of Defense, Ministers of Defense, and several Heads of State across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel.

One key highlight of his tour was in Pakistan, where he co-hosted the Central and South Asia (CASA) Chiefs of Defense Conference. Military leaders from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States discussed regional security cooperation under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace.”

In Iraq, Gen. Kurilla also oversaw the change of command for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), which leads the 87-nation coalition against ISIS—one of the largest and most successful coalitions in the world.

Reflecting on the tour, Gen. Kurilla emphasized the importance of being on the ground to truly understand the complexities of the region.

“No amount of reports or phone calls can replace physically being here,” he said. “Meeting our servicemembers, partner leaders, and local communities provides a deeper and more nuanced understanding.”

He added that the visit left him with renewed confidence in the dedication of U.S. forces and the shared commitment of partner nations to regional stability and peace.