Masrour Barzani, Commanding General of US-led coalition discuss IS campaign progress

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC) Masrour Barzani on Tuesday met with Commanding General of the US-led coalition Lieutenant General Paul E. Funk to discuss progress in the anti-Islamic State (IS) campaign in Iraq and Syria.

According to a readout on the KRSC website, Chancellor Barzani discussed “the latest political and security developments” in the region amid a resurgence of IS activities in both Syria and Iraq.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Baghdad Joey Hood and Consul General in Erbil Kenneth Gross accompanied Lieutenant General Funk, the Commanding General of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR).

I received Lt. Gen. Paul Funk of @CJTFOIR — Shared interest for Peshmerga-ISF cooperation to close security gaps exploited by ISIL in Kirkuk and beyond. Readout: https://t.co/961G33fkRt pic.twitter.com/ebxG8IMt0F

— Masrour Barzani (@masrour_barzani) April 24, 2018

“During their discussions, both officials affirmed that it is essential for Peshmerga Forces-Iraqi Security Forces cooperation to fill security vacuums exploited by [IS] in disputed territories, including in Kirkuk,” the KRSC readout said.

Baghdad responded negatively to the Kurdistan Region’s independence referendum last September, imposing several punitive measures against the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including an international flight ban and the use of force to regain control of disputed areas.  

The officials discussed the importance of aligning “security and military efforts with broader political reforms necessary to restore trust, stabilize communities.”

Chancellor Barzani highlighted the need for “coordination and cooperation” among all members of the US-led coalition as the fight against IS continues.

Barzani also underscored “the importance the Kurdistan Region places on close military, intelligence, and security cooperation with the United States.”

Both officials also discussed the upcoming Iraqi elections and regional developments and agreed to continue regular meetings on such matters.