SOUTHWEST ASIA –
Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) conducted a ceremony with the Iraqi Security Forces to hand over the inner-Coalition area of K1 Air Base, Iraq, March 29, 2020.
Due to Iraqi Security Forces' success in the campaign against Daesh, the Coalition is adjusting its positioning in Iraq. These military movements are long-planned in coordination with the Government of Iraq. These pre-planned base transfers are not related to recent attacks against Iraqi bases hosting Coalition troops, or the ongoing COVID-19 situation in Iraq.
"Today in another proud day for our Iraqi Security Force partners and the anti-ISIS international military Coalition," said Brig. Gen. Vincent Barker, CJTF-OIR director of sustainment. “K1 has served as a critical location for the Coalition, the ISF and Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service in the fight to find and destroy ISIS safe havens in the rugged Hamrin Mountains. It will continue to be a key location in our partnered efforts to eliminate the evils of Daesh. Today’s transfer was coordinated with the Government of Iraq and is possible thanks to the efforts and successes of our ISF partners."
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 2020 “Heroes of Iraq” and 2019’s “Will of Victory” campaigns. CJTF-OIR remains in Iraq at the invitation of the Government of Iraq and continues anti-ISIS advising. Currently, training operations are temporarily paused due to COVID-19 precautions. The Coalition will operate from fewer locations, but remains committed to supporting our partners in their fight against Daesh.
The Coalition troops will depart K1 after the completion of equipment transfers to Iraqi Security Forces, in the coming days.
Imagery:
Iraqi contractors utilize a crane to help load a generaor onto the back of a faltbed vehicle at K1 Air Base, Iraq, Mar 21, 2020.The Coalition is adjusting its positioning in Iraq as part of long-planned adjustments to the force, due to Iraqi Security Force's 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. Kenneth Stroud)
U.S. Army Pfc. Ivyan Clayton, assigned to Company E, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Calvary Brigade, 1st Calvary Division guides a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle ontp a flatbed trailer at K1 Air Base, Iraq, March 21, 2020. The Coalition is adjusting its positioning in Iraq as part of long-planned adjustments to the force, due to Iraqi Security Force's 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. Kenneth Stroud)
U.S. Army Sgt. Keith Lawrence, maintenance section chief assigned to Company E, 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Calvary Brigade, 1st Calvary Division, organizes and pack equipment at K1 air base, Iraq, March 14, 2020. Lawrence secures hold down straps for securing container boxes with equipment needed for movement to another location. Due to successful operations against ISIS by Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition forces repositioned to other Iraqi bases to continue the anti-ISIS partnership. (U.S. Army Photo by SPC. Kenneth Stroud).
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U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, board a Lockheed C-130 Hercules at K1 Air Base, Iraq, March 24, 2020. The Coalition is adjusting its positioning in Iraq as part of long-planned adjustments to the force, due to Iraqi Security Force's 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. Kenneth Stroud)
To see the press release in Arabic: CJTF-OIR Press Release 20200329-01 K1 Transfer- النسخة العربية
To see K1 Air Base fact sheet in English: K1 Air Base Fact Sheet
To see K1 Air Base fact sheet in Arabic: K1 Air Base Fact Sheet - النسخة العربية
To see K1 Air Base photos and captions in English: K1 Air Base Photos
To see K1 Air Base photos and captions in Arabic: K1 Air Base Photos -النسخة العرابية
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