BAGHDAD, Iraq — U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kevin C. Leahy transferred command authority of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve to Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Lambert during a ceremony at Union III, Iraq, July 21, 2025. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of USCENTCOM, presided.
Maj. Gen. Leahy was the 11th commander of CJTF-OIR since the task force was formed in 2014 to reclaim land stolen by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, dismantle the group’s network, and protect the population from its violence and influence.
“CJTF-OIR is a combined organization, a coalition to defeat ISIS,” Leahy said. “It's a coalition which includes Iraq, that's significantly diminished the ability of ISIS to conduct operations in Iraq and Syria, or export violence around the region and the world.”
Maj. Gen. Leahy, nominated to serve as commanding general of U.S. Army Central and Third Army, served nearly a year as CJTF-OIR commander.
"The enduring defeat of ISIS is a job that requires determination and perseverance," Leahy said. "I know this OIR team will continue its work, change with the changing environment, and keep pursuing this enemy.
Brig. Gen. Lambert most recently served as commanding general of the U.S. Army Security Force Assistance Command.
“I am honored and humbled to serve during this historic time of significant change in the region,” Lambert said. “I look forward to strengthening our partnerships as we maintain pressure on defeating Daesh in Iraq and Syria.”
The U.S.-led coalition continues its mission to build, maintain, and sustain counterterrorism partner capacity to repress ISIS remnants in Syria and Iraq.
“We must continue to deny fresh oxygen to the smoldering embers of violent extremism,” Gen. Kurilla said. “You will write the future chapters of this story, and I am confident CJTF‑OIR remains in dedicated and skillful hands.”
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