Iraqi Air Force airlift capability supports defeat Daesh mission

Photo By Master Sgt. Natasha Stannard | A pilot from Iraqi Air Force Squadron 24 supports a critical aerial transport mission at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Dec. 13, 2021. This is the eighth transport mission Squadron 24 completed since February 2021, enabling their security forces to sustain defeat of Daesh. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Natasha Stannard)  

ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, KUWAIT

12.20.2021

Story by Senior Airman Hanah Abercrombie 

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve   

The Iraqi Air Force (IqAF) completed a strategic airlift mission from Kuwait to Iraq, carrying critical cargo for Iraq Ministry of Defense agencies Dec. 13, 2021.

The airlift demonstrated Iraq’s capability to contribute to regional security and stability by working with multiple countries to get the mission done.

Since Feb. 11, 2021, the IqAF has completed eight similar missions and delivered more than 60 tons of parts valued at over $18 million, enabling the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to maintain the enduring defeat of Daesh.

The mission was enabled by the Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq (OSC-I), at the US Embassy, Baghdad. This office helps strengthen the capabilities of the ISF as they provide security and stability for Iraq and its people.

“OSC-I is focused on assisting the ISF build and sustain its operational and institutional capacity over the long term,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Keith C. Phillips, Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy, Baghdad. “Missions like these help ensure a strong Iraqi military and symbolize the strength of our security partnership.”

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, a unified action partner of OSC-I, completed its combat role, ahead of schedule, on Dec. 9, 2021. It has transitioned to a force that advises, assists and enables partner forces, at the invitation of the Republic of Iraq.

OSC-I and the twenty-seven countries that make up the International Coalition remain committed to working hand-in-hand with Iraq to ensure success of missions such as this one.

“The Iraqi people understand that the International Coalition will remain as invited guests in an advise, assist, and enable role beyond the end of the year because it is in the interest of Iraq and its people,” said Phillips.

• Date Taken: 12.20.2021
• Date Posted: 12.20.2021 09:15
• Story ID: 411542
• Location: ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, KW