SOUTHWEST ASIA –
Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) conducted a base transfer ceremony with the Iraqi Security Forces, March 26, 2020, at Qayyarah Airfield West (Q-West), Iraq.
"Today marks another milestone for the anti-ISIS international military Coalition and our Iraqi Security Forces partners," said Brig. Gen. Vincent Barker, CJTF-OIR director of sustainment. "The Qayyarah base served as a strategic launching point for the ISF and Coalition during the Battle of Mosul. In particular, the base serves as a hub for the Iraqi air force, who continue to deliver lethal strikes on Daesh bed-down locations. Today’s transfer was coordinated with the Government of Iraq and is possible thanks to the efforts and successes of our ISF partners."
As a result of the ISF’s success in their fight against ISIS, and in conjunction with our partner forces and the Government of Iraq, CJTF-OIR will relocate and consolidate personnel and equipment from several Iraqi bases throughout 2020. The ISF increasingly conducts independent operations in the fight against Daesh and the defense of their homeland including the “Heroes of Iraq” Campaign and 2019’s “Will of Victory.” CJTF-OIR remains in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq and will continue anti-ISIS advising and training operations. The Coalition will operate from fewer locations, but remains committed to supporting our partners in their fight against Daesh. The Coalition troops will depart Q-West base after the completion of equipment transfers to Iraqi Security Forces, in the coming days.
B-Roll:
Imagery:
U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Automatic disassemble a tent at Camp Q-West, Iraq, March 11, 2020. The Soldiers are preparing to transfer the camp to the Iraqi army. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Janzael Sanchez)
U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Task Force Automatic shot 155mm illumination rounds from a towed M777 howitzer at Camp Q-West, Iraq, March 13, 2020. The Coalition is adjusting its positioning in Iraq as part of long-planned adjustments to the force, due to Iraqi Security Forces' success in the campaign against Daesh. The Coalition’s military movements are conducted in coordination with the Government of Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Janzael Sanchez)
The Exchange, like many other establishments throughout the base, are emptied as Qayyarah Airfield West, Iraq, is prepared for transfer to Iraqi Secutiy Forces, March 13, 2020. Due to successful ISF operations against ISIS, Coalition forces repositioned to other locations to continue the anti-ISIS partnership. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Janzael Sanchez)
To see the press release in Arabic: CJTF-OIR PR 20200326-01 Q-West Transfer- النسخة العربية
To see Q-West base fact sheet in English: Qayyarah Airfield West Fact Sheet
To see Q-West base fact sheet in Arabic: Qayyarah Airfield West Fact Sheet - النسخة العربية
To see Q-West base photos and captions in English: Qayyarah Airfield West Photos
To see Q-West base photos and captions in Arabic: Qayyarah Airfield West Photos_النسخة العربية
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