Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Major General Kevin Leahy, commander of Global Coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, to discuss rising security concerns. The meeting took place in Erbil and included key Kurdish and US officials. Discussions focused heavily on joint efforts to counter the growing ISIS threat in the region.
Both sides agreed that ISIS continues to pose an active threat in Iraq and Syria. Therefore, they highlighted the urgent need for stronger coordination between the Peshmerga, Iraqi Army, and Coalition forces. General Leahy and President Barzani emphasized the importance of unified operations to prevent ISIS attacks and maintain regional stability.
President Barzani thanked the Global Coalition for its ongoing military and advisory support. He also praised General Leahy’s leadership in advancing the Peshmerga reform program. The restructuring process plays a crucial role in strengthening defense capabilities and ensuring long-term peace in the Kurdistan Region.
The security meeting also included the Kurdish Minister of Peshmerga Affairs and the Peshmerga Chief of Staff, showing Kurdistan’s serious commitment to defense reform. US representatives, including the Consul General and other Coalition members, also participated to reinforce cooperation.
In addition to the Iraq-wide threat of ISIS, the two sides also addressed security challenges in Syria. They reviewed the situation of Kurdish communities and discussed how instability in Syria may impact broader regional dynamics. The presence of ISIS-linked cells in both countries reinforces the need for continued cooperation.
The Kurdish leadership remains focused on improving military coordination and reinforcing security along shared borders. ISIS active threat remains a repeating concern in security briefings and high-level meetings between the Kurdistan Region and its partners.
General Leahy’s continued efforts reflect Washington’s long-term commitment to supporting Iraq and Kurdistan against terrorism. The United States and the Kurdistan Region agree that ISIS cannot be allowed to rebuild operational strength.
As part of this renewed partnership, the parties confirmed plans to enhance intelligence sharing and cross-border military communication. ISIS active threat demands persistent vigilance and tactical cooperation among all security partners in the region.