US Central Command commander visits Middle East to assess regional situation

WASHINGTON

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited the Middle East to consult with regional partners to assess the regional security situation.

Kurilla met with Jordan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti and key members of his staff on Sept. 7-8 to discuss regional security concerns, CENTCOM said Friday.

Kurilla emphasized his appreciation for Jordan’s partnership toward regional security, and in particular for the Jordan Armed Forces’ leadership in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

"He reiterated his commitment to improving interoperability with the Jordanian Armed Forces and maintaining ready and responsive forces across the region. Gen. Kurilla also visited with U.S. Servicemembers," according to the statement.

On Sept. 8-10, Kurilla visited Israel where he met Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, key members of the Israeli army, several operational units and key national security agencies.

Kurilla and Gallant discussed the strategic situation in the region and efforts to deter common threats, said the statement.

His discussion with Halevi focused on operational and strategic security challenges, regional cooperation and efforts to bolster deterrence and counter threats in the Middle East, it said.

“The strength of our relationships across the region is critical to our collective security,” Kurilla was quoted in the statement.

CENTCOM is committed to providing the support necessary to address the regional threats, he added.