Iraqi forces need to take action to retake the ISIS-controlled city of Ramadi as soon as possible to prevent resupply and fortification by the terrorist group, US Central Command said Friday. Iraq has enough troops and equipment near the city to attack ISIS, but they “have not made any significant forward movement recently,” CENTCOM spokesman Col. Patrick Ryder said. Iraqi troops have been taking positions around the city, but significant “defensive obstacles” remain in their way. “We’re consulting with their leaders and their forces to move, when they are ready, as quickly as possible,” Ryder said. The US has trained 14,000 Iraqis to help with Operation Inherent Resolve, and there is another 1,900 currently in training. CENTCOM expects that number to increase after the Eid al-Adha holiday, with a class of 2,000 set to begin training Oct. 1.
Roth Talks Transition Amid Administration Change, COVID
Feb. 26, 2021
Acting Air Force Secretary John P. Roth is shepherding the Department of the Air Force through the first months of the year as the nation awaits President Joe Biden’s pick for a permanent Secretary. Handing off the Air Force and Space Force to a new administration, including several officials in…