The Iraqi government considering shut down of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.
The prime minister of Iraq threatened to end the bilateral Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) after U.S. forces conducted a defensive strike that killed the leaders of a terrorist group that operates in both Iraq and Syria. Since October 7, when Hamas invaded Israel, U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have been attacked over 100 times.
The Defense Department formally established the task force operation in October 2014 to “provide mission command of the defeat-ISIS fight.” According to its mission statement, the operation has worked “by, with and through regional partners to militarily defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, in order to enable whole of coalition governmental relations to increase regional stability.”
The prime minister said his government is convening a committee to prepare to close down CJTF-OIR. American troops will have to leave Iraq if the operation ends.
Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said, “U.S. forces took necessary and proportionate action” against a militia leader who went by Abu-Taqwa. Abu Takwa was actively involved in planning and carrying out attacks against American personnel.” He added that no facilities or infrastructure were struck nor civilians harmed.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for U.S. leaders in the Pentagon and military commanders in the Middle East.
- For U.S. officials as they engage in diplomatic discussions with Iraq and Syria.
- For Defense Secretary Austin to be directed by God as he heads the U.S. Armed Forces.
Sources: Department of Defense, Reuters, Daily Caller
