Brigadier General Kevin Lambert has officially taken command of the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), replacing Major General Kevin Leahy in a ceremony at Baghdad’s Union III base. The handover was attended by top U.S. and Iraqi officials, including General Michael Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, signaling continued coordination despite evolving military strategies in the region.

Lambert assumes leadership at a pivotal moment, as the U.S. recalibrates its military footprint in Iraq and Syria. Recent months have seen troop drawdowns, base consolidations, and shifting alliances with local forces, particularly following Syria’s political changes and a March agreement between Kurdish-led forces and Damascus.

In his inaugural remarks, Lambert emphasized the coalition’s ongoing mission: "I look forward to strengthening our partnerships as we continue pushing for the defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria." A U.S. military statement reiterated the commitment to building local counterterrorism capabilities to suppress remaining ISIS cells.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani met with Lambert, Kurilla, and U.S. diplomat Steven Fagin, stressing the need for "stability, de-escalation, and respect for sovereignty." The talks also addressed regional spillover from the Iran-Israel conflict, which has disrupted Iraqi airspace, and the recent spike in drone attacks targeting military and energy sites—incidents blamed by Kurdish authorities on Iran-backed militias.

Washington has reduced its bases in northeast Syria from eight to three, with plans to further consolidate operations. U.S. forces remain stationed at strategic locations, including the Al-Omar oil field and areas near Hasakah, ensuring continued support for Kurdish partners against ISIS remnants.