President Nechirvan Barzani, U.S.-Led Coalition Commander Discuss Anti-ISIS Efforts, Regional Stability

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday received Brigadier General Kevin Lambert, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, to discuss security cooperation, the ongoing threat of ISIS, and broader regional developments.

According to a statement published on the official website of the Kurdistan Region Presidency, the meeting was attended by the Minister and Chief of Staff of the Peshmerga, along with the U.S. Consul General in the Kurdistan Region.

The two sides reviewed the latest security developments in Iraq and Syria, particularly the movements and attacks carried out by ISIS. They stressed that despite territorial defeat, ISIS continues to pose a serious threat to regional stability, requiring sustained cooperation among all relevant parties.

The discussions also focused on internal reforms within the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs, including the unification of Peshmerga forces. Both parties underscored the importance of advancing the reform agenda to strengthen the Peshmerga’s capabilities and ensure greater cohesion and coordination within the security apparatus.

The President and Brig. Gen. Lambert emphasized the critical role of continued support from the U.S.-led international coalition in preventing the resurgence of ISIS in both Iraq and Syria.

Additionally, they agreed that Kurds and other components in Syria must be meaningfully included in any current and future political processes aimed at resolving the country's prolonged conflict.

The meeting also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including the impact of recent developments in the Middle East on regional stability and the evolving relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with neighboring countries.