New U.S. Commander Assumes Lead of Anti-ISIS Coalition in Iraq and Syria

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Brigadier General Kevin Lambert officially took over command of the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) during a ceremony held in Baghdad, marking a pivotal leadership transition at a critical juncture for anti-ISIS efforts in Iraq and Syria.

According to FDD’s Long War Journal, Lambert succeeds Major General Kevin Leahy, who led the coalition since August 2024. CJTF-OIR, established in 2014, has been instrumental in dismantling ISIS’s territorial hold and suppressing its resurgence across the region.

Strategic Transition and Coordination with Iraqi Leadership

The ceremony, held at Union III base in Baghdad’s Green Zone, was attended by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla. On the same day, Lambert joined Gen. Kurilla, outgoing commander Leahy, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Steven Fagin in a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The talks reaffirmed the coalition's role in stabilizing Iraq and discussed a roadmap for transitioning to bilateral security partnerships.

According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s Media Office, the discussions encompassed regional developments, preparations for post-coalition security structures, and the evolving threat landscape in neighboring Syria.

Operational Shifts Amid Regional Uncertainty

The new CJTF-OIR leadership is expected to oversee these strategic realignments, as well as intensify collaboration with the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Kurdistan Region—particularly as they pursue long-term reforms and unit unification.

Lambert’s command comes at a time of significant transformation. In Syria, the U.S. has withdrawn from several positions amid ongoing efforts to consolidate operations. Reports suggest the U.S. military is scaling back from eight to three installations, maintaining a presence near the Omar oil field, Shaddadi, and Qasrek.

According to Long War Journal‘s report, the U.S. continues to back the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) while encouraging diplomatic engagement with the Damascus-based transitional government. However, clashes in Suwayda Governorate between government-aligned forces and the Druze community have complicated the anticipated SDF integration into Syria’s new military structure.

Continued U.S. Presence and Coalition Adjustments

Despite the Pentagon’s 2024 announcement of a phased withdrawal from Iraq, the U.S. maintains approximately 2,500 troops across Union III, Al Asad Airbase, and various posts in the Kurdistan Region. A parallel “train and equip” program remains active, pending congressional approval in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

Estonia recently became the latest coalition member to withdraw from Iraq, signaling a broader transition in the mission’s composition. Nonetheless, the U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to counterterrorism and capacity-building efforts in the region.

Lambert Brings Global Experience to Complex Theater

Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert, a 1993 graduate of the University of North Georgia, brings extensive operational and advisory experience to his new role. He has previously served in Haiti, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and led the U.S. Army Security Force Assistance Command, where he oversaw cooperation with the Peshmerga through the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade.

In his inaugural remarks, Lambert emphasized his commitment to sustaining pressure on ISIS and building resilient partnerships. “I look forward to strengthening our partnerships as we maintain pressure on defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria,” he said.

The U.S. military echoed this vision, stating the coalition will continue to “build, maintain, and sustain counterterrorism partner capacity to repress ISIS remnants” in both Iraq and Syria under Lambert’s leadership.