1 00:00:00,580 --> 00:00:03,150 - This brief should last approximately 45 minutes. 2 00:00:03,150 --> 00:00:04,860 Today, Colonel Sean Ryan, 3 00:00:04,860 --> 00:00:07,470 spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve, 4 00:00:07,470 --> 00:00:08,570 will provide an update, 5 00:00:08,570 --> 00:00:10,400 and then Major General Felix Gedney, 6 00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:13,100 deputy commander for strategy and support, 7 00:00:13,100 --> 00:00:15,400 will be available to answer your questions. 8 00:00:15,400 --> 00:00:17,050 Colonel Ryan, the floor is yours. 9 00:00:21,430 --> 00:00:23,070 - Good morning. 10 00:00:23,070 --> 00:00:26,260 Today, I will provide a brief update on operations 11 00:00:26,260 --> 00:00:30,560 and stabilization efforts in Iraq and Syria. 12 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:32,550 Major General Gedney, who's been travelling 13 00:00:32,550 --> 00:00:34,510 through both countries all week, 14 00:00:34,510 --> 00:00:37,150 will be on hand to answer your questions 15 00:00:37,150 --> 00:00:39,640 at the end of my opening statement. 16 00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:43,490 In Iraq, operations continue to secure areas 17 00:00:43,490 --> 00:00:44,450 across the country 18 00:00:44,450 --> 00:00:48,010 as Iraq security forces locate, identify, 19 00:00:48,010 --> 00:00:50,780 and destroy ISIS remnants. 20 00:00:50,780 --> 00:00:54,860 Last week alone, ISIS operations across Iraq 21 00:00:54,860 --> 00:00:56,780 have resulted in the arrest of more 22 00:00:56,780 --> 00:00:58,990 than 50 suspected terrorists 23 00:00:58,990 --> 00:01:01,530 and the removal of 500 pounds 24 00:01:01,530 --> 00:01:04,400 of improvised explosive devices. 25 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:07,980 In Anbar, the 10th Iraqi Army Division completed 26 00:01:07,980 --> 00:01:10,820 the second phase of a security sweep 27 00:01:10,820 --> 00:01:13,660 through the province's desert areas. 28 00:01:13,660 --> 00:01:15,250 In the Hamrin Mountains, 29 00:01:15,250 --> 00:01:19,000 the Iraqi Federal Police continued clearance operations 30 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:22,020 that resulted in dozens of ISIS fighters killed 31 00:01:22,020 --> 00:01:24,260 and hideouts destroyed. 32 00:01:24,260 --> 00:01:28,130 Additionally, the federal police also secured 33 00:01:28,130 --> 00:01:30,630 the road between Hawija and Samarra 34 00:01:30,630 --> 00:01:33,370 in order to prevent malign actors 35 00:01:33,370 --> 00:01:36,110 from disabling the energy infrastructure 36 00:01:36,110 --> 00:01:38,963 that is the lifeline to the residents in the area. 37 00:01:40,030 --> 00:01:43,170 The ISF Engineering Corps also cleaned the main road 38 00:01:43,170 --> 00:01:47,110 between Salahuddin and Samarra of IEDs, 39 00:01:47,110 --> 00:01:50,490 making travel safer between the two cities. 40 00:01:50,490 --> 00:01:53,200 Finally, the government of Iraq 41 00:01:53,200 --> 00:01:55,970 and the Kurdish Regional Government have agreed 42 00:01:55,970 --> 00:01:58,430 to reopen the Erbil-Kirkuk road 43 00:01:58,430 --> 00:02:00,310 as soon as possible, 44 00:02:00,310 --> 00:02:02,350 establishing the locations and authorities 45 00:02:02,350 --> 00:02:04,463 for checkpoints along the road. 46 00:02:05,670 --> 00:02:07,593 While ongoing security operations continue 47 00:02:07,593 --> 00:02:10,370 to protect Iraqi citizens, 48 00:02:10,370 --> 00:02:12,850 stabilization efforts give them hope 49 00:02:12,850 --> 00:02:16,090 for a better future and a lasting peace. 50 00:02:16,090 --> 00:02:17,740 In the Baghdad area, 51 00:02:17,740 --> 00:02:21,910 the ISF established a central service coordination cells, 52 00:02:21,910 --> 00:02:24,900 a program designed to use military resources 53 00:02:24,900 --> 00:02:27,490 to enable local communities to restore 54 00:02:27,490 --> 00:02:30,210 basic infrastructure and services. 55 00:02:30,210 --> 00:02:32,850 Initial efforts by the coordination cells 56 00:02:32,850 --> 00:02:36,540 include trash collection, road openings, 57 00:02:36,540 --> 00:02:39,110 maintenance of water facilities. 58 00:02:39,110 --> 00:02:42,570 Finally, in Anbar, the ISF helped repatriate 59 00:02:42,570 --> 00:02:44,510 almost 400 families, 60 00:02:44,510 --> 00:02:47,310 ensuring that they had a secure means of traveling 61 00:02:47,310 --> 00:02:48,503 back to their homes. 62 00:02:49,500 --> 00:02:51,320 Moving on to Syria, 63 00:02:51,320 --> 00:02:53,320 the Syrian Democratic Forces continue 64 00:02:53,320 --> 00:02:56,270 to prepare for the final assault on ISIS 65 00:02:56,270 --> 00:02:57,660 in the Hajin area 66 00:02:57,660 --> 00:02:59,970 while securing liberated areas. 67 00:02:59,970 --> 00:03:01,647 In the Middle Euphrates Valley, 68 00:03:01,647 --> 00:03:04,370 the SDF is reinforcing checkpoints 69 00:03:04,370 --> 00:03:06,196 and refining blocking positions ahead 70 00:03:06,196 --> 00:03:09,220 of the clearance operations in Hajin. 71 00:03:09,220 --> 00:03:11,000 In the past few weeks, 72 00:03:11,000 --> 00:03:13,770 there has been a constant stream of civilians 73 00:03:13,770 --> 00:03:17,150 fleeing the town ahead of the operations. 74 00:03:17,150 --> 00:03:20,940 The SDF has provided safe passage for these civilians, 75 00:03:20,940 --> 00:03:22,690 while setting up checkpoints 76 00:03:22,690 --> 00:03:25,720 to thoroughly vet all outgoing civilians 77 00:03:25,720 --> 00:03:29,603 and ensure ISIS is not taking advantage of the exodus. 78 00:03:30,440 --> 00:03:32,450 Some ISIS have already been caught trying 79 00:03:32,450 --> 00:03:33,750 to challenge the military. 80 00:03:34,619 --> 00:03:38,160 In At-Tanf, our partner forces successfully captured 81 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:42,050 seven smugglers attempting to provide safe passage 82 00:03:42,050 --> 00:03:44,450 for five ISIS fighters. 83 00:03:44,450 --> 00:03:46,070 This operation allowed the arrest 84 00:03:46,070 --> 00:03:48,960 of 25 ISIS fighters last month, 85 00:03:48,960 --> 00:03:51,080 further demonstrating the success 86 00:03:51,080 --> 00:03:54,123 of our partner forces in securing that area. 87 00:03:55,130 --> 00:03:58,080 In Raqqa, the internal security forces 88 00:03:58,080 --> 00:04:00,570 have destroyed more than 30 caches 89 00:04:00,570 --> 00:04:03,230 containing 500 pounds of explosives 90 00:04:03,230 --> 00:04:05,150 discovered during the clearance operations 91 00:04:05,150 --> 00:04:07,060 in the past weeks. 92 00:04:07,060 --> 00:04:09,490 The RISF continues to act on tips 93 00:04:09,490 --> 00:04:12,760 from local citizens on discovered IEDs, 94 00:04:12,760 --> 00:04:15,480 signaling the growing confidence of local residents 95 00:04:15,480 --> 00:04:16,970 on their security forces 96 00:04:16,970 --> 00:04:20,653 and the RISF's increasing counter-IED capabilities. 97 00:04:21,820 --> 00:04:24,920 Finally, in detention centers across northeast Syria, 98 00:04:24,920 --> 00:04:27,610 the SDF efforts to repair infrastructures 99 00:04:27,610 --> 00:04:30,090 is ongoing and almost complete. 100 00:04:30,090 --> 00:04:32,900 In Hasakah, the SDF recently graduated 101 00:04:32,900 --> 00:04:35,810 more than 40 new prison guards. 102 00:04:35,810 --> 00:04:37,850 Much like our partners in Iraq, 103 00:04:37,850 --> 00:04:40,520 local governments across northwestern Syria 104 00:04:40,520 --> 00:04:42,920 continue to work within the resources 105 00:04:42,920 --> 00:04:45,540 and capabilities to enhance the quality of life 106 00:04:45,540 --> 00:04:48,390 for Syrians in liberated areas. 107 00:04:48,390 --> 00:04:50,760 The Raqqa Civil Council helped deliver 108 00:04:50,760 --> 00:04:55,270 more than 850 student kits, 1,000 desks, 109 00:04:55,270 --> 00:04:57,820 and 20,000 backpacks for students 110 00:04:57,820 --> 00:04:59,463 returning to school next month. 111 00:05:00,330 --> 00:05:03,030 Additionally, 200 new teachers are being trained 112 00:05:03,030 --> 00:05:04,743 for the start of the new year. 113 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:08,820 In the MERV, the Deir ez-Zor Civil Council 114 00:05:08,820 --> 00:05:10,350 established local councils 115 00:05:10,350 --> 00:05:12,960 in recently liberated villages. 116 00:05:12,960 --> 00:05:14,630 Besides being potent remembers 117 00:05:14,630 --> 00:05:16,610 of their liberation from ISIS, 118 00:05:16,610 --> 00:05:19,980 local councils enable local government's capacity 119 00:05:19,980 --> 00:05:22,020 to delivery to support residents 120 00:05:22,020 --> 00:05:25,790 and ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS ideology. 121 00:05:25,790 --> 00:05:28,040 In Manbij, the electric company installed 122 00:05:28,040 --> 00:05:31,290 a new power grid to the eastern part of the city, 123 00:05:31,290 --> 00:05:36,150 moving them closer to having electricity 24 hours a day. 124 00:05:36,150 --> 00:05:38,610 Some of the areas only recently began life 125 00:05:38,610 --> 00:05:41,220 without facing the daily terror of ISIS 126 00:05:41,220 --> 00:05:42,530 in their neighborhoods, 127 00:05:42,530 --> 00:05:45,200 and some children are returning to school 128 00:05:45,200 --> 00:05:47,983 for the first time in over five years. 129 00:05:48,900 --> 00:05:50,980 The ISIS problem is far from over, 130 00:05:50,980 --> 00:05:53,060 and there's still a lot of work to be done, 131 00:05:53,060 --> 00:05:56,560 both militarily and on civilization stabilization efforts 132 00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:58,230 in both countries. 133 00:05:58,230 --> 00:05:59,850 Make no mistake. 134 00:05:59,850 --> 00:06:02,280 The coalition is not talking victory 135 00:06:02,280 --> 00:06:04,750 or taking our foot off the gas in working 136 00:06:04,750 --> 00:06:06,270 with our partners. 137 00:06:06,270 --> 00:06:10,530 However, these instances demonstrate 138 00:06:10,530 --> 00:06:12,802 our partner forces have been making great strides 139 00:06:12,802 --> 00:06:14,400 in defeating ISIS, 140 00:06:14,400 --> 00:06:16,250 protecting the populations, 141 00:06:16,250 --> 00:06:18,800 while enabling stabilization efforts, 142 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:21,660 making better for the civilians they have liberated, 143 00:06:21,660 --> 00:06:24,890 but it takes time and resources. 144 00:06:24,890 --> 00:06:27,260 We cannot emphasize enough that the threat 145 00:06:27,260 --> 00:06:30,450 of losing the gains we have made is real, 146 00:06:30,450 --> 00:06:33,290 especially if we are not able to give the people 147 00:06:33,290 --> 00:06:37,200 a viable alternative to the ISIS problem. 148 00:06:37,200 --> 00:06:39,910 We continue to call on the international community 149 00:06:39,910 --> 00:06:42,150 to step up and ensure the conditions 150 00:06:42,150 --> 00:06:45,450 that gave rise to ISIS no longer exist 151 00:06:45,450 --> 00:06:48,490 in both Syria and Iraq. 152 00:06:48,490 --> 00:06:50,270 I will now pass on the podium 153 00:06:50,270 --> 00:06:51,780 to Major General Gedney, 154 00:06:51,780 --> 00:06:53,460 who will answer your questions. 155 00:06:53,460 --> 00:06:54,293 Thank you. 156 00:06:55,310 --> 00:06:56,143 Sir? 157 00:06:56,143 --> 00:06:56,976 - Thank you, Sean. 158 00:07:02,940 --> 00:07:04,010 So good morning. 159 00:07:04,010 --> 00:07:06,453 I'll now answer any questions that you may have. 160 00:07:09,090 --> 00:07:10,570 - For all questions, 161 00:07:10,570 --> 00:07:12,550 please provide your full name and agency 162 00:07:12,550 --> 00:07:14,250 prior to asking your questions. 163 00:07:14,250 --> 00:07:16,320 All called on will have an opportunity 164 00:07:16,320 --> 00:07:18,550 to ask a question and one follow up. 165 00:07:18,550 --> 00:07:19,740 Tom? 166 00:07:19,740 --> 00:07:21,710 - [Tom] You want to start with Lita? 167 00:07:21,710 --> 00:07:22,760 - Lita? 168 00:07:22,760 --> 00:07:24,140 - Thank you. 169 00:07:24,140 --> 00:07:26,570 General, two things. 170 00:07:26,570 --> 00:07:29,500 One, can you bring us up to date on Manbij 171 00:07:29,500 --> 00:07:31,960 and whether or not the patrols there, 172 00:07:31,960 --> 00:07:34,020 the U.S. and the Turkish patrols, 173 00:07:34,020 --> 00:07:36,100 are coordinating their patrols now 174 00:07:36,100 --> 00:07:37,880 or if they are cooperating, 175 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:39,280 if they're doing joint patrols? 176 00:07:39,280 --> 00:07:41,170 Can you bring us up to date on that? 177 00:07:41,170 --> 00:07:43,937 And then, I have a follow up on the detention center. 178 00:07:48,403 --> 00:07:49,236 - Yes, of course. 179 00:07:49,236 --> 00:07:53,295 So the situation in Manbij is that the Kurdish 180 00:07:53,295 --> 00:07:55,910 and Turkish forces have been conducting 181 00:07:55,910 --> 00:07:58,520 independent coordinated patrols 182 00:07:58,520 --> 00:08:00,390 along the borders of Manbij, 183 00:08:00,390 --> 00:08:02,000 and these have been very successful, 184 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:04,410 and that's become a routine now. 185 00:08:04,410 --> 00:08:08,373 Training will soon commence for joint patrolling. 186 00:08:09,310 --> 00:08:11,150 That'll start very soon, 187 00:08:11,150 --> 00:08:13,080 and we'll move to do joint patrolling 188 00:08:13,080 --> 00:08:15,713 as soon as we are ready and trained for it. 189 00:08:17,960 --> 00:08:20,113 - On the detention centers, 190 00:08:21,090 --> 00:08:23,907 Colonel Ryan mentioned that 40 have graduated. 191 00:08:23,907 --> 00:08:28,907 Can you tell us how much of the detention center security, 192 00:08:29,370 --> 00:08:32,240 et cetera, is being performed by the U.S., 193 00:08:32,240 --> 00:08:36,640 and how many total guards and other support people 194 00:08:36,640 --> 00:08:39,723 do the Syrians actually have there? 195 00:08:46,040 --> 00:08:48,265 - Well, I don't have any detail on the exact numbers 196 00:08:48,265 --> 00:08:52,203 of guards that are in those detention centers. 197 00:08:53,510 --> 00:08:56,070 It's public knowledge that there are a number 198 00:08:56,070 --> 00:08:58,270 of detention centers that hold 199 00:08:58,270 --> 00:09:01,200 around 600 foreign terrorist fighters, 200 00:09:01,200 --> 00:09:03,173 as well as Syrian fighters, 201 00:09:04,060 --> 00:09:06,580 from around 40 different countries, 202 00:09:06,580 --> 00:09:10,550 and our work in supporting that detention capability 203 00:09:10,550 --> 00:09:14,970 has been to ensure that the SDF detention capability 204 00:09:14,970 --> 00:09:18,923 is appropriate to secure and hold those detainees. 205 00:09:20,370 --> 00:09:23,483 - Well, is the U.S. doing the bulk of it right now? 206 00:09:29,560 --> 00:09:30,393 - I'm sorry. 207 00:09:30,393 --> 00:09:31,226 Could you repeat the question? 208 00:09:31,226 --> 00:09:33,430 I didn't hear what the question was. 209 00:09:33,430 --> 00:09:36,080 - Is the U.S. doing the bulk of the security 210 00:09:36,080 --> 00:09:39,493 and other operations at the detention facilities right now? 211 00:09:45,850 --> 00:09:47,840 - I think I caught the beginning of that. 212 00:09:47,840 --> 00:09:49,970 That detention is being provided 213 00:09:49,970 --> 00:09:54,080 by Syrian Democratic Forces and forces 214 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:55,080 from northern Syria. 215 00:09:57,800 --> 00:09:58,633 - Tom? 216 00:09:58,633 --> 00:10:00,980 - General, it's Tom Bowman with NPR. 217 00:10:00,980 --> 00:10:02,210 I wondered if you could talk a little bit 218 00:10:02,210 --> 00:10:06,010 about the stabilization effort in northeast Syria. 219 00:10:06,010 --> 00:10:08,120 We've been told the coalition will be training 220 00:10:08,120 --> 00:10:11,310 about 30,000 local security forces. 221 00:10:11,310 --> 00:10:13,280 How many have been trained so far? 222 00:10:13,280 --> 00:10:16,080 And we've been told it would be well into next year 223 00:10:16,080 --> 00:10:17,653 before all are trained. 224 00:10:22,920 --> 00:10:24,389 - Yes, of course. 225 00:10:24,389 --> 00:10:26,980 So following liberation, as I've said before, 226 00:10:26,980 --> 00:10:30,150 we have to concentrate on maintaining the security 227 00:10:30,150 --> 00:10:31,540 that has been provided, 228 00:10:31,540 --> 00:10:34,400 and then that allows the civilian led stabilization 229 00:10:34,400 --> 00:10:35,240 to take place 230 00:10:37,986 --> 00:10:40,236 (mumbling) 231 00:10:42,850 --> 00:10:46,370 by locally generated security forces, 232 00:10:46,370 --> 00:10:47,640 more like a police force, 233 00:10:47,640 --> 00:10:50,033 but not specifically trained as police. 234 00:10:52,470 --> 00:10:53,303 - Excuse me, sir. 235 00:10:53,303 --> 00:10:54,958 Could you go back to the beginning of that answer? 236 00:10:54,958 --> 00:10:57,653 We lost you right as you began the answer. 237 00:11:01,940 --> 00:11:02,773 - Of course. 238 00:11:02,773 --> 00:11:07,680 So following liberation, you've heard me talk before, 239 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:10,870 that the important things are securing the areas liberated, 240 00:11:10,870 --> 00:11:14,110 and that provides the peace and stability 241 00:11:14,110 --> 00:11:16,600 for stabilization, civilian-led stabilization, 242 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:18,130 to take place. 243 00:11:18,130 --> 00:11:21,530 That security, sometimes known as (mumbling) security, 244 00:11:21,530 --> 00:11:23,640 is being initially provided 245 00:11:23,640 --> 00:11:25,670 by the Syrian Democratic Forces, 246 00:11:25,670 --> 00:11:27,890 but will increasingly be provided by intel 247 00:11:27,890 --> 00:11:31,830 and security forces which the coalition will help to train. 248 00:11:31,830 --> 00:11:33,780 - Right, my question was about the number. 249 00:11:33,780 --> 00:11:35,950 Is the 30,000 number correct? 250 00:11:35,950 --> 00:11:38,090 How many have you trained to date 251 00:11:38,090 --> 00:11:40,080 and how long will it take ballpark? 252 00:11:40,080 --> 00:11:42,280 Clearly well into next year we've been told. 253 00:11:46,660 --> 00:11:49,970 - Well, I'll not get into detail of numbers. 254 00:11:49,970 --> 00:11:52,710 We'll train sufficient to maintain the peace 255 00:11:52,710 --> 00:11:54,560 and security that we've gained, 256 00:11:54,560 --> 00:11:56,822 and we believe that will take some time 257 00:11:56,822 --> 00:11:58,640 after liberation that we'll need 258 00:11:58,640 --> 00:12:01,113 to be continually committed to that task. 259 00:12:03,290 --> 00:12:04,880 - [Man] Jeff? 260 00:12:04,880 --> 00:12:05,713 - Thank you. 261 00:12:05,713 --> 00:12:08,220 General, Jeff Schogol with Task and Purpose. 262 00:12:08,220 --> 00:12:10,160 The United Nations estimates there are 263 00:12:10,160 --> 00:12:13,240 between 20,000 and 30,000 ISIS fighters 264 00:12:13,240 --> 00:12:15,400 still in Iraq and Syria. 265 00:12:15,400 --> 00:12:18,090 I wanted to see if that figure tracks 266 00:12:18,090 --> 00:12:19,873 with coalition estimates. 267 00:12:24,840 --> 00:12:27,080 - Well, as I've said, 268 00:12:27,080 --> 00:12:28,903 numbers are always very difficult. 269 00:12:28,903 --> 00:12:32,070 That number seems a little bit high, 270 00:12:32,070 --> 00:12:34,670 and I think we'd need to look at the methodology 271 00:12:34,670 --> 00:12:37,070 and the data on which that estimation is based. 272 00:12:37,070 --> 00:12:38,420 What I can tell you is, though, 273 00:12:38,420 --> 00:12:41,150 we do know that ISIS continues 274 00:12:41,150 --> 00:12:43,920 to be a threat post-liberation, 275 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:46,510 which is why we need to maintain our focus 276 00:12:46,510 --> 00:12:50,990 on ensuring the security within Iraq and Syria. 277 00:12:50,990 --> 00:12:51,980 - If I could follow up, 278 00:12:51,980 --> 00:12:53,930 I understand numbers are difficult. 279 00:12:53,930 --> 00:12:56,150 They are, unfortunately, our business. 280 00:12:56,150 --> 00:12:58,080 How many fighters would you say 281 00:12:58,080 --> 00:13:00,053 are in Iraq and Syria right now? 282 00:13:04,440 --> 00:13:07,083 - Well, as I've said, I'm not gonna speculate. 283 00:13:08,270 --> 00:13:11,160 We know there are over 1,000, 284 00:13:11,160 --> 00:13:12,540 which is our initial problem, 285 00:13:12,540 --> 00:13:14,790 in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. 286 00:13:14,790 --> 00:13:18,053 We also know that there are some ISIS fighters, 287 00:13:18,053 --> 00:13:21,370 and the threat remains throughout Iraq and Syria, 288 00:13:21,370 --> 00:13:23,590 and we need to make sure that we do enough 289 00:13:23,590 --> 00:13:27,793 to ensure the security and stability post-liberation. 290 00:13:27,793 --> 00:13:29,060 - [Jeff] Thank you. 291 00:13:29,060 --> 00:13:30,160 - [Man] Ryan? 292 00:13:30,160 --> 00:13:30,993 - Hi, General. 293 00:13:30,993 --> 00:13:31,826 Thank you for doing this. 294 00:13:31,826 --> 00:13:32,920 Ryan Browne with CNN. 295 00:13:32,920 --> 00:13:35,843 I just wanted to follow up on the issue of detention. 296 00:13:36,914 --> 00:13:38,950 You've mentioned that several fighters 297 00:13:38,950 --> 00:13:41,290 have been captured in the At-Tanf area, 298 00:13:41,290 --> 00:13:43,670 ISIS fighters and smugglers, 299 00:13:43,670 --> 00:13:46,270 as well as 25 last month. 300 00:13:46,270 --> 00:13:49,232 Where are they being detained? 301 00:13:49,232 --> 00:13:52,650 Do they have the detentions resources there 302 00:13:52,650 --> 00:13:55,510 in that deconfliction area around At-Tanf 303 00:13:55,510 --> 00:13:57,870 to hold them for an extended period of time 304 00:13:57,870 --> 00:13:59,870 or are they being transferred elsewhere? 305 00:14:03,580 --> 00:14:05,100 - Well, it's a very good point, 306 00:14:05,100 --> 00:14:08,700 and of course, those detentions highlight 307 00:14:08,700 --> 00:14:12,040 both the professionalism and expertise 308 00:14:12,040 --> 00:14:14,130 of our partner force around At-Tanf 309 00:14:14,130 --> 00:14:17,210 as well as the importance of At-Tanf 310 00:14:17,210 --> 00:14:19,840 in order to interdict ISIS movements. 311 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:22,660 In the short term, as those detainees are being held 312 00:14:22,660 --> 00:14:23,670 by the MaT, 313 00:14:23,670 --> 00:14:25,380 and we are working with our partner force 314 00:14:25,380 --> 00:14:27,780 to ensure appropriate long term detention 315 00:14:27,780 --> 00:14:29,930 for those individuals. 316 00:14:29,930 --> 00:14:33,340 - Is there any concern that they will not be able 317 00:14:33,340 --> 00:14:35,640 to house them for an extended period of time? 318 00:14:35,640 --> 00:14:38,150 Or are you comfortable with the level of detention 319 00:14:38,150 --> 00:14:38,983 as it is now? 320 00:14:42,960 --> 00:14:44,120 - Well, as I say, in the short term, 321 00:14:44,120 --> 00:14:48,480 we are comfortable with they're being held appropriately, 322 00:14:48,480 --> 00:14:50,460 and we're looking at the long term options 323 00:14:50,460 --> 00:14:52,810 for how they will be detained in the long term. 324 00:14:55,170 --> 00:14:56,470 - Tom? 325 00:14:56,470 --> 00:14:57,330 - Alright, hello, General. 326 00:14:57,330 --> 00:15:00,070 I'm Tom Squitieri with Talk Media News. 327 00:15:00,070 --> 00:15:01,990 In an earlier briefing by either you, sir, 328 00:15:01,990 --> 00:15:03,970 or one of your colleagues in regards 329 00:15:03,970 --> 00:15:06,426 to the civilians who are gonna be part 330 00:15:06,426 --> 00:15:08,940 of Operation Roundup, 331 00:15:08,940 --> 00:15:11,670 Colonel Ryan said a lot of civilians 332 00:15:11,670 --> 00:15:13,540 already leaving from that area. 333 00:15:13,540 --> 00:15:15,120 I know you don't want to talk about numbers, 334 00:15:15,120 --> 00:15:18,290 so but if you can kind of characterize the flow 335 00:15:18,290 --> 00:15:20,323 of civilians out of that area, 336 00:15:21,160 --> 00:15:24,670 it sounds like it's higher than what you guys thought, 337 00:15:24,670 --> 00:15:26,350 because you thought that perhaps ISIS 338 00:15:26,350 --> 00:15:28,770 would keep some civilians back as a shield 339 00:15:28,770 --> 00:15:29,920 against the attack. 340 00:15:29,920 --> 00:15:31,793 Could you kind of quantify 341 00:15:31,793 --> 00:15:34,760 and qualify those numbers of civilians, please? 342 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:35,593 Thank you. 343 00:15:39,460 --> 00:15:42,860 - I can certainly characterize the situation for you. 344 00:15:42,860 --> 00:15:46,780 So we have seen the movement of some civilian convoys, 345 00:15:46,780 --> 00:15:51,080 up to hundreds of people in convoys, 346 00:15:51,080 --> 00:15:54,770 moving out of the ISIS-held area 347 00:15:54,770 --> 00:15:56,620 in the Middle Euphrates River Valley. 348 00:15:57,800 --> 00:16:01,120 The Syrian Democratic Forces have take great care 349 00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:04,440 to ensure that they can enable the free movement 350 00:16:04,440 --> 00:16:08,960 of those non-combatants and civilians out of that area. 351 00:16:08,960 --> 00:16:11,530 It is still relatively small numbers 352 00:16:11,530 --> 00:16:12,960 compared to the number of civilians 353 00:16:12,960 --> 00:16:15,470 we think are still in the area, 354 00:16:15,470 --> 00:16:18,657 and we believe that is because ISIS are holding them there 355 00:16:18,657 --> 00:16:20,830 and not allowing them to leave, 356 00:16:20,830 --> 00:16:23,360 and at the same time as allowing them to leave, 357 00:16:23,360 --> 00:16:25,060 we're taking great care how 358 00:16:25,060 --> 00:16:27,120 the Syrian Democratic Forces are, 359 00:16:27,120 --> 00:16:29,890 to ensure we've properly screened them to make sure 360 00:16:29,890 --> 00:16:32,470 that ISIS fighters aren't able to escape 361 00:16:32,470 --> 00:16:33,870 with that civilian traffic, 362 00:16:33,870 --> 00:16:36,620 and they have detained some ISIS fighters 363 00:16:36,620 --> 00:16:38,303 in those movement of personnel. 364 00:16:39,910 --> 00:16:40,743 - [Man] Laurie? 365 00:16:40,743 --> 00:16:43,010 - Laurie Mylroie, Kurdistan 24. 366 00:16:43,010 --> 00:16:45,310 Thank you so very much for this. 367 00:16:45,310 --> 00:16:47,320 You visited Erbil recently. 368 00:16:47,320 --> 00:16:50,053 What was your purpose and what was your impression? 369 00:16:55,850 --> 00:16:57,455 - Could you repeat the question, ma'am? 370 00:16:57,455 --> 00:16:59,550 I'm struggling to hear what it was. 371 00:16:59,550 --> 00:17:02,930 - Okay, you recently visited Erbil. 372 00:17:02,930 --> 00:17:06,130 What was the purpose of your visit to Erbil 373 00:17:06,130 --> 00:17:08,757 and what was your impression of the situation there 374 00:17:08,757 --> 00:17:10,143 and the Peshmerga? 375 00:17:14,420 --> 00:17:15,253 - Of course, ma'am. 376 00:17:15,253 --> 00:17:18,210 So I was in Erbil last week. 377 00:17:18,210 --> 00:17:21,580 The coalition maintains a training presence 378 00:17:21,580 --> 00:17:23,330 across all of Iraq, 379 00:17:23,330 --> 00:17:24,590 and while I was there, 380 00:17:24,590 --> 00:17:27,130 I was visiting both the coalition forces 381 00:17:27,130 --> 00:17:31,940 as well as some of the KIG representatives. 382 00:17:31,940 --> 00:17:34,900 My impression, first of all on the coalition side, 383 00:17:34,900 --> 00:17:38,810 is of coalition forces doing a remarkable job 384 00:17:38,810 --> 00:17:41,893 helping train our partner forces, 385 00:17:41,893 --> 00:17:44,730 and probably more important I think to your point 386 00:17:44,730 --> 00:17:48,640 is that I sense a growing cooperation 387 00:17:48,640 --> 00:17:50,450 between Baghdad and Erbil 388 00:17:50,450 --> 00:17:53,570 and certainly in terms of their security forces, 389 00:17:53,570 --> 00:17:57,760 and Colonel Ryan highlighted the opening 390 00:17:57,760 --> 00:18:00,860 of the road and the (mumbling) checkpoint, 391 00:18:00,860 --> 00:18:03,140 which is the latest in a series 392 00:18:03,140 --> 00:18:06,180 of very encouraging signs of the growing cooperation 393 00:18:06,180 --> 00:18:09,560 between Erbil and Baghdad. 394 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:11,605 - Thank you, and follow up. 395 00:18:11,605 --> 00:18:14,110 The Hashd al-Shaabi recently announced 396 00:18:14,110 --> 00:18:18,127 some sort of movement or re-deployment in Nineveh Province. 397 00:18:18,127 --> 00:18:20,340 Could you explain what that was 398 00:18:20,340 --> 00:18:22,653 and was it coordinated with the coalition? 399 00:18:27,830 --> 00:18:30,120 - Well, it was coordinated 400 00:18:30,120 --> 00:18:32,280 with the Joint Operational Command Iraq. 401 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:33,925 It's an Iraqi plan, 402 00:18:33,925 --> 00:18:38,240 and we're absolutely aware of the JOC-I, 403 00:18:38,240 --> 00:18:39,453 as we call it, plan, 404 00:18:40,480 --> 00:18:44,190 which is, first of all, to move some 405 00:18:44,190 --> 00:18:49,190 of those Hashd al-Shaabi units out of Mosul, 406 00:18:49,660 --> 00:18:52,210 so that other internal security forces 407 00:18:52,210 --> 00:18:54,010 from the ISF and the police 408 00:18:54,010 --> 00:18:56,840 and the army can secure the city, 409 00:18:56,840 --> 00:19:01,120 and secondly, to move some of those PMF units 410 00:19:01,120 --> 00:19:04,417 from the border region so that border guard forces 411 00:19:04,417 --> 00:19:07,310 and Iraqi Army can secure the border. 412 00:19:07,310 --> 00:19:09,890 And again, that's a further encouraging sign 413 00:19:09,890 --> 00:19:11,350 of normalization. 414 00:19:11,350 --> 00:19:13,390 The border guard forces that the coalition 415 00:19:13,390 --> 00:19:16,630 have helped to train are the appropriate forces 416 00:19:16,630 --> 00:19:18,880 to secure the borders of Iraq. 417 00:19:18,880 --> 00:19:19,713 - [Man] Tara? 418 00:19:20,810 --> 00:19:21,643 - Thank you, sir. 419 00:19:21,643 --> 00:19:23,600 Tara Copp, Military Times. 420 00:19:23,600 --> 00:19:26,253 I wanted to get back to two points you raised. 421 00:19:27,180 --> 00:19:28,943 In the MERV, where there's approximately 422 00:19:28,943 --> 00:19:31,713 1,000 ISIS fighters remaining, 423 00:19:32,830 --> 00:19:35,190 that's a number we've heard pretty consistently 424 00:19:35,190 --> 00:19:38,850 over the last, probably, half a year, maybe a year, 425 00:19:38,850 --> 00:19:42,180 and so I wanted to know how the fighters 426 00:19:42,180 --> 00:19:43,260 are getting replenished. 427 00:19:43,260 --> 00:19:46,860 Are you still seeing foreign fighters cross into Syria? 428 00:19:46,860 --> 00:19:50,160 Has that traffic flow been able to be stopped? 429 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:53,950 If not, who else is reconstituting this force 430 00:19:53,950 --> 00:19:55,890 that seems to have been holding 431 00:19:55,890 --> 00:19:57,843 at 1,000 for quite a while now? 432 00:20:04,226 --> 00:20:07,730 - It's very difficult to hear the question, ma'am. 433 00:20:07,730 --> 00:20:08,903 I'm really sorry. 434 00:20:08,903 --> 00:20:10,653 Could you repeat it for me, please? 435 00:20:14,470 --> 00:20:15,303 - Sure. 436 00:20:15,303 --> 00:20:16,214 Thank you. 437 00:20:16,214 --> 00:20:17,047 Is this better? 438 00:20:20,100 --> 00:20:21,400 Thank you, is this better? 439 00:20:25,010 --> 00:20:26,585 - [Felix] That's much better. 440 00:20:26,585 --> 00:20:27,870 - Good. 441 00:20:27,870 --> 00:20:31,470 So my question was, you pointed out that there's 442 00:20:31,470 --> 00:20:34,850 about 1,000 ISIS fighters remaining in the MERV, 443 00:20:34,850 --> 00:20:37,380 but that's a figure that we've heard for months, 444 00:20:37,380 --> 00:20:40,190 and so I wanted to know how those forces 445 00:20:40,190 --> 00:20:41,980 are getting reconstituted. 446 00:20:41,980 --> 00:20:45,030 Are they still being able to cross into Syria? 447 00:20:45,030 --> 00:20:48,143 And if not, where are those fighters coming from? 448 00:20:52,850 --> 00:20:54,440 - Well, as I've said, 449 00:20:54,440 --> 00:20:56,494 numbers are always very difficult, 450 00:20:56,494 --> 00:20:59,550 and we know that there, 451 00:20:59,550 --> 00:21:02,210 my comment was there's over 1,000 we know of, 452 00:21:02,210 --> 00:21:03,810 and I'm not gonna speculate on the numbers. 453 00:21:03,810 --> 00:21:05,330 We'll find out when we get there, 454 00:21:05,330 --> 00:21:07,230 and we will deal with them all. 455 00:21:07,230 --> 00:21:09,380 In terms of the movement of fighters, 456 00:21:09,380 --> 00:21:11,025 there is some movement of fighters, 457 00:21:11,025 --> 00:21:14,960 and those elements of ISIS in Syria continue 458 00:21:14,960 --> 00:21:18,496 to pose a threat to Iraq, 459 00:21:18,496 --> 00:21:20,070 and that movement happens 460 00:21:20,070 --> 00:21:22,750 through historic smuggling routes, 461 00:21:22,750 --> 00:21:26,010 which is why the Iraqi Security Forces 462 00:21:26,010 --> 00:21:27,580 have been taking such a keen focus 463 00:21:27,580 --> 00:21:29,160 on securing their border, 464 00:21:29,160 --> 00:21:33,430 as they did through the phase two of Operational Roundup 465 00:21:33,430 --> 00:21:34,793 in the Dashisha area. 466 00:21:35,960 --> 00:21:38,980 - So for most ISIS fighters going into Syria, 467 00:21:38,980 --> 00:21:40,893 you're seeing them enter through Iraq? 468 00:21:46,850 --> 00:21:48,300 - No, I wouldn't say most, ma'am. 469 00:21:48,300 --> 00:21:51,880 I think there is a small movement. 470 00:21:51,880 --> 00:21:55,230 Most of the fighters left east of the Euphrates 471 00:21:55,230 --> 00:21:58,140 in Syria are in the Hajin area, 472 00:21:58,140 --> 00:22:00,240 and we will deal with them in the third phase 473 00:22:00,240 --> 00:22:01,830 of Operation Roundup. 474 00:22:01,830 --> 00:22:02,791 - Okay, thank you. 475 00:22:02,791 --> 00:22:06,820 My second question is on the stabilization force, 476 00:22:06,820 --> 00:22:09,620 the police force, civilian. 477 00:22:09,620 --> 00:22:12,250 What will be the plan for training that force? 478 00:22:12,250 --> 00:22:13,970 Will it follow the model of Iraq, 479 00:22:13,970 --> 00:22:18,270 where there are definite training centers 480 00:22:18,270 --> 00:22:20,050 for these forces? 481 00:22:20,050 --> 00:22:21,400 Will they be trained in Syria? 482 00:22:21,400 --> 00:22:22,910 Will they be brought into Iraq 483 00:22:22,910 --> 00:22:24,873 to use those existing facilities? 484 00:22:30,630 --> 00:22:33,670 - Well, the force that Colonel Ryan spoke of 485 00:22:33,670 --> 00:22:35,850 was in north Baghdad, 486 00:22:35,850 --> 00:22:39,360 and it's Iraqi Security Forces assisting 487 00:22:39,360 --> 00:22:42,790 in the stabilization efforts in north Baghdad, 488 00:22:42,790 --> 00:22:45,540 and that force needs no training. 489 00:22:45,540 --> 00:22:48,370 The Iraqi Security Forces are very good at this, 490 00:22:48,370 --> 00:22:51,310 and like us, they're increasingly focused 491 00:22:51,310 --> 00:22:55,150 on how we support the civilian-led stabilization efforts 492 00:22:55,150 --> 00:22:57,350 in Iraq. 493 00:22:57,350 --> 00:23:01,190 In Syria, we will continue to provide support 494 00:23:01,190 --> 00:23:04,370 to those civilian stabilization actors, 495 00:23:04,370 --> 00:23:06,640 particularly from the international community 496 00:23:06,640 --> 00:23:10,090 because right now, the stabilization efforts, 497 00:23:10,090 --> 00:23:12,410 giving the population hope that their best future 498 00:23:12,410 --> 00:23:16,590 lies with their legitimate governance rather than ISIS, 499 00:23:16,590 --> 00:23:18,420 is absolutely critical to the defeat 500 00:23:18,420 --> 00:23:20,023 and the lasting defeat of ISIS. 501 00:23:22,100 --> 00:23:24,350 - Ken Ward with Fox News. 502 00:23:24,350 --> 00:23:28,610 My first question is what are you planning 503 00:23:28,610 --> 00:23:31,620 to do with some of the American people 504 00:23:31,620 --> 00:23:35,233 that are detained by the Syrian Defense Force? 505 00:23:36,540 --> 00:23:38,940 Are you exploring options such as taking them 506 00:23:38,940 --> 00:23:41,450 to Gitmo or trying them in American courts? 507 00:23:41,450 --> 00:23:44,203 What is currently the plan in that regard? 508 00:23:45,817 --> 00:23:48,720 How many do you think y'all have as of right now? 509 00:23:48,720 --> 00:23:52,470 - You're asking a British commander 510 00:23:52,470 --> 00:23:54,220 from theater about U.S. policy, 511 00:23:54,220 --> 00:23:56,650 and I don't have an answer to that, I'm afraid, 512 00:23:56,650 --> 00:24:00,340 but what I can say is that all of the detainees 513 00:24:00,340 --> 00:24:02,280 that are being held by the SDF 514 00:24:02,280 --> 00:24:04,840 are currently being appropriately detained, 515 00:24:04,840 --> 00:24:08,760 and we as the coalition are calling on all nations 516 00:24:08,760 --> 00:24:12,070 to ensure we have a long term solution 517 00:24:12,070 --> 00:24:14,770 to ensure that those foreign terrorist fighters 518 00:24:14,770 --> 00:24:17,220 from their countries don't become a threat again. 519 00:24:18,090 --> 00:24:19,610 - I'd like to follow up just to see. 520 00:24:19,610 --> 00:24:22,703 Do you know how many Americans are detained 521 00:24:22,703 --> 00:24:25,113 by the Syrian Defense Forces right now, 522 00:24:26,102 --> 00:24:28,703 or British citizens as of right now? 523 00:24:32,310 --> 00:24:34,580 - We have information on nationalities. 524 00:24:34,580 --> 00:24:37,908 What I can tell you is they're from over 40 nations, 525 00:24:37,908 --> 00:24:41,060 and there's around 600 foreign terrorist fighters 526 00:24:41,060 --> 00:24:42,110 currently being held. 527 00:24:43,800 --> 00:24:45,710 - Sir, Jennifer Griffin from Fox News. 528 00:24:45,710 --> 00:24:49,120 I'd like to follow up on Tara Copp's question. 529 00:24:49,120 --> 00:24:52,560 How many foreign fighters are you seeing come 530 00:24:52,560 --> 00:24:55,970 into Syria or Iraq and from what countries? 531 00:24:55,970 --> 00:24:57,880 And are you seeing foreign fighters 532 00:24:57,880 --> 00:25:01,460 from Afghanistan showing up on the battlefield 533 00:25:01,460 --> 00:25:03,263 in Syria or in Iraq? 534 00:25:07,170 --> 00:25:08,003 - Well, at the moment, 535 00:25:08,003 --> 00:25:11,290 we've seen the flow of foreign fighters 536 00:25:11,290 --> 00:25:15,760 into Syria and Iraq reduced hugely, 537 00:25:15,760 --> 00:25:18,590 and I guess that's because they know 538 00:25:18,590 --> 00:25:20,523 they're backing the losing side. 539 00:25:21,480 --> 00:25:22,870 The movement of terrorist fighters, 540 00:25:22,870 --> 00:25:25,440 foreign terrorist fighters around the battle space 541 00:25:25,440 --> 00:25:27,700 is also not that large, 542 00:25:27,700 --> 00:25:29,580 and it's much more difficult for them to blend 543 00:25:29,580 --> 00:25:32,460 into the civilian population, 544 00:25:32,460 --> 00:25:35,380 particularly those Europeans, for example, 545 00:25:35,380 --> 00:25:37,880 and so we believe that the great concentration 546 00:25:37,880 --> 00:25:40,880 of them that remain sits in that area 547 00:25:40,880 --> 00:25:43,230 down the Middle Euphrates River Valley 548 00:25:43,230 --> 00:25:45,160 that we will soon be dealing with. 549 00:25:45,160 --> 00:25:47,090 - Are there new foreign fighters 550 00:25:47,090 --> 00:25:49,260 coming into the battle space? 551 00:25:49,260 --> 00:25:51,260 And what countries are they coming from? 552 00:25:56,120 --> 00:25:58,370 - No, we're not aware of new foreign fighters 553 00:25:58,370 --> 00:26:00,473 coming into the battle space at the moment. 554 00:26:05,340 --> 00:26:06,173 - Thank you. 555 00:26:06,173 --> 00:26:08,140 Lara Seligman, Foreign Policy. 556 00:26:08,140 --> 00:26:08,973 Two questions. 557 00:26:08,973 --> 00:26:10,820 First of all, can you give us an update 558 00:26:10,820 --> 00:26:13,220 on when you expect the final phase 559 00:26:13,220 --> 00:26:15,440 of Operation Roundup to begin? 560 00:26:15,440 --> 00:26:17,730 And then also, on the foreign fighters, 561 00:26:17,730 --> 00:26:21,210 what is going to happen to these foreign fighters after, 562 00:26:21,210 --> 00:26:23,220 I guess, ISIS is defeated? 563 00:26:23,220 --> 00:26:26,220 Do you have the cooperation of their home countries? 564 00:26:26,220 --> 00:26:28,470 Just what is the plan for them going forward? 565 00:26:33,880 --> 00:26:36,240 - I didn't hear clearly the second part. 566 00:26:36,240 --> 00:26:40,200 In terms of when Phase Three of Op Roundup will begin, 567 00:26:40,200 --> 00:26:43,610 you wouldn't expect me to give away operational details. 568 00:26:43,610 --> 00:26:46,176 What I can tell you is that the Syrian Democratic Forces 569 00:26:46,176 --> 00:26:47,970 and the coalition are preparing now, 570 00:26:47,970 --> 00:26:49,950 and the operation will begin very soon. 571 00:26:49,950 --> 00:26:52,940 Could you repeat the second part of your question, please? 572 00:26:52,940 --> 00:26:54,690 - Yes, thank you. 573 00:26:54,690 --> 00:26:56,590 My second question is just following up 574 00:26:56,590 --> 00:26:57,700 on the foreign fighters. 575 00:26:57,700 --> 00:27:00,110 What is the plan for what's going to happen 576 00:27:00,110 --> 00:27:03,730 to these foreign fighters after they're captured, 577 00:27:03,730 --> 00:27:05,110 after ISIS is defeated? 578 00:27:05,110 --> 00:27:07,790 Do you have the cooperation of their home countries, 579 00:27:07,790 --> 00:27:10,440 or are they going to be transported back there? 580 00:27:10,440 --> 00:27:11,813 What's going to happen to them? 581 00:27:15,890 --> 00:27:18,760 - Well, we have great cooperation with all 582 00:27:18,760 --> 00:27:20,840 of the nations from the global coalition, 583 00:27:20,840 --> 00:27:23,530 who, as you know, are committed to the defeat of ISIS. 584 00:27:23,530 --> 00:27:26,060 Well, I can't tell you what the long term solution is. 585 00:27:26,060 --> 00:27:29,750 That's an issue for national capitals. 586 00:27:29,750 --> 00:27:32,451 What I can say is that the coalition 587 00:27:32,451 --> 00:27:35,380 just wants to ensure that those individuals 588 00:27:35,380 --> 00:27:37,000 that are currently being held, 589 00:27:37,000 --> 00:27:39,700 that Syrian Democratic Force went to great risk 590 00:27:39,700 --> 00:27:41,150 to take off the battlefields, 591 00:27:41,150 --> 00:27:42,620 we need to make sure that those individuals 592 00:27:42,620 --> 00:27:44,020 don't become a threat again. 593 00:27:50,480 --> 00:27:51,313 - Hello, sir. 594 00:27:51,313 --> 00:27:53,313 Sylvie Lanteaume from AFP. 595 00:27:54,870 --> 00:27:59,870 With the ongoing diplomatic spat between Turkey and U.S., 596 00:28:01,420 --> 00:28:03,740 I wanted to know if you see any change 597 00:28:03,740 --> 00:28:08,740 in your relations with the Turkish military in Incirlik, 598 00:28:10,170 --> 00:28:13,760 and if you see any change in the use of Incirlik 599 00:28:13,760 --> 00:28:16,023 for the operations. 600 00:28:20,380 --> 00:28:23,200 - No, we've seen no change in our relationship 601 00:28:23,200 --> 00:28:25,890 with our Turkish allies, 602 00:28:25,890 --> 00:28:28,700 and I'd just remind you that Turkey 603 00:28:28,700 --> 00:28:31,840 is a very important member of the global coalition 604 00:28:31,840 --> 00:28:33,460 of 70 nations. 605 00:28:33,460 --> 00:28:35,370 They're a troop contributing nation 606 00:28:35,370 --> 00:28:38,037 into this military coalition, 607 00:28:38,037 --> 00:28:40,380 and they are a valuable NATO ally, 608 00:28:40,380 --> 00:28:43,800 as well as a critical regional ally. 609 00:28:43,800 --> 00:28:46,010 There's things going on at the strategic level, 610 00:28:46,010 --> 00:28:48,210 but here at the operational level and tactical level, 611 00:28:48,210 --> 00:28:50,250 we've seen no change 612 00:28:50,250 --> 00:28:52,300 in our professional working relationship. 613 00:28:53,479 --> 00:28:58,001 - [Sylvie] Thank you. 614 00:28:58,001 --> 00:28:58,834 - Thank you. 615 00:28:58,834 --> 00:29:00,780 I'm Bryan Bowman with the Defense Post. 616 00:29:00,780 --> 00:29:03,240 Going back to some of the ISIS fighters 617 00:29:03,240 --> 00:29:07,790 that were recently captured near At-Tanf by MaT forces, 618 00:29:07,790 --> 00:29:09,960 have coalition forces had the opportunity 619 00:29:09,960 --> 00:29:12,230 to question those fighters? 620 00:29:12,230 --> 00:29:17,073 And if so, do you know if any of them are foreign fighters? 621 00:29:21,530 --> 00:29:24,620 - So I'm not aware of any of them being foreign fighters, 622 00:29:24,620 --> 00:29:28,950 and those fighters are currently being held by the MaT. 623 00:29:28,950 --> 00:29:32,090 - And do you have any idea as to how 624 00:29:32,090 --> 00:29:34,820 those suspected of being ISIS fighters 625 00:29:34,820 --> 00:29:37,393 were identified as such by MaT? 626 00:29:42,874 --> 00:29:47,163 - Well, the fighters were identified by the MaT. 627 00:29:48,340 --> 00:29:52,500 We're pretty confident that they've confirmed 628 00:29:52,500 --> 00:29:54,330 that they are indeed enemy, 629 00:29:54,330 --> 00:29:57,990 and indeed, they see quite a flow of ISIS 630 00:29:57,990 --> 00:29:59,890 through that area and are doing a great job 631 00:29:59,890 --> 00:30:00,940 at interdicting them. 632 00:30:05,130 --> 00:30:05,963 - Thank you, General. 633 00:30:05,963 --> 00:30:08,600 This is Kristina Wong from Breitbart News. 634 00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:12,670 I wanted to ask, what is the role of U.S. forces 635 00:30:12,670 --> 00:30:15,420 in regard to stabilization in Iraq? 636 00:30:15,420 --> 00:30:17,590 Are they just providing security, 637 00:30:17,590 --> 00:30:19,580 or are they participating in some 638 00:30:19,580 --> 00:30:23,193 of the trash collection and other stabilization activities? 639 00:30:28,210 --> 00:30:31,630 - Well, I can answer for the coalition forces. 640 00:30:31,630 --> 00:30:34,730 Of course, there are a large number of U.S. forces 641 00:30:34,730 --> 00:30:38,740 in the coalition, as the largest and lead nation. 642 00:30:38,740 --> 00:30:42,390 So our role in stabilization is to ensure 643 00:30:42,390 --> 00:30:45,690 that we provide all the support we can 644 00:30:45,690 --> 00:30:49,020 to those civilian agencies and organizations 645 00:30:49,020 --> 00:30:52,300 that lead the stabilization effort. 646 00:30:52,300 --> 00:30:53,800 Now, in the most part, 647 00:30:53,800 --> 00:30:57,560 that involves us working with our partner forces 648 00:30:57,560 --> 00:30:59,020 from the Iraqi Security Force, 649 00:30:59,020 --> 00:31:00,380 or the Syrian Democratic Force, 650 00:31:00,380 --> 00:31:03,920 or internal security forces in order to ensure 651 00:31:03,920 --> 00:31:06,110 that there's appropriate security 652 00:31:06,110 --> 00:31:09,823 for those civilian stabilization actors to do their job. 653 00:31:11,280 --> 00:31:12,340 - Thank you. 654 00:31:12,340 --> 00:31:13,480 And just to follow up, 655 00:31:13,480 --> 00:31:17,650 who's leading the stabilization efforts 656 00:31:17,650 --> 00:31:20,800 in Iraq and Syria? 657 00:31:20,800 --> 00:31:22,653 Who is in charge of those efforts? 658 00:31:26,480 --> 00:31:28,920 - Well, it's a very complicated picture, 659 00:31:28,920 --> 00:31:30,930 and there is a huge enterprise 660 00:31:30,930 --> 00:31:33,190 of international community actors, 661 00:31:33,190 --> 00:31:36,270 and very much in Iraq, 662 00:31:36,270 --> 00:31:40,500 it's the United Nations Development Program, the UNDP, 663 00:31:40,500 --> 00:31:42,980 and we work most closely with them to ensure 664 00:31:42,980 --> 00:31:44,640 they have everything they need 665 00:31:44,640 --> 00:31:48,010 to coordinate the international effort, 666 00:31:48,010 --> 00:31:52,300 and in Syria, there are a few nations 667 00:31:52,300 --> 00:31:53,950 that have representatives there, 668 00:31:53,950 --> 00:31:55,030 and there's a large number 669 00:31:55,030 --> 00:31:56,960 of non-governmental organizations 670 00:31:56,960 --> 00:31:59,590 that are also providing stabilization support 671 00:31:59,590 --> 00:32:00,603 in northeast Syria. 672 00:32:03,736 --> 00:32:04,610 - Thank you for doing this, General. 673 00:32:04,610 --> 00:32:06,610 Wyatt Goolsby with EWTN. 674 00:32:06,610 --> 00:32:08,040 I wanted to follow up on the question 675 00:32:08,040 --> 00:32:10,240 about the flow of ISIS fighters, 676 00:32:10,240 --> 00:32:11,880 and we've mentioned Afghanistan before, 677 00:32:11,880 --> 00:32:12,890 but I want to follow up on that 678 00:32:12,890 --> 00:32:14,840 because the United Nations report 679 00:32:14,840 --> 00:32:18,880 says ISIS maintains a significant affiliate in Afghanistan, 680 00:32:18,880 --> 00:32:21,240 so I'm wondering if the coalition there 681 00:32:21,240 --> 00:32:23,910 in Syria and Iraq coordinate with coalition, 682 00:32:23,910 --> 00:32:27,110 whether it's American and British counterparts 683 00:32:27,110 --> 00:32:28,420 in Afghanistan, 684 00:32:28,420 --> 00:32:30,470 to try to reduce that flow, or minimize, 685 00:32:30,470 --> 00:32:31,730 or what's been kind of going on that, 686 00:32:31,730 --> 00:32:33,880 especially within the last couple of years? 687 00:32:38,290 --> 00:32:40,570 - Well, the simple answer to your question is, yes, 688 00:32:40,570 --> 00:32:42,380 we absolutely coordinate. 689 00:32:42,380 --> 00:32:43,390 But the detailed answer, 690 00:32:43,390 --> 00:32:46,235 I think I'd have to refer to our higher command, 691 00:32:46,235 --> 00:32:48,490 U.S. Central Command in Tampa, 692 00:32:48,490 --> 00:32:49,690 because that's the level at which 693 00:32:49,690 --> 00:32:51,820 that coordination occurs, 694 00:32:51,820 --> 00:32:53,830 and our focus is absolutely, solely 695 00:32:53,830 --> 00:32:57,083 on defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria. 696 00:32:57,940 --> 00:32:58,803 - [Wyatt] Thank you. 697 00:33:03,340 --> 00:33:04,173 - Afternoon, sir. 698 00:33:04,173 --> 00:33:05,960 Thomas Gibbons, and I'm from New York Times. 699 00:33:05,960 --> 00:33:08,760 Asking you a question about a report last week 700 00:33:08,760 --> 00:33:09,730 from Task and Purpose. 701 00:33:09,730 --> 00:33:12,610 Now I understand this has to do with U.S. forces in Syria, 702 00:33:12,610 --> 00:33:15,350 but can you speak for the coalition as well? 703 00:33:15,350 --> 00:33:18,080 Reports of a green on blue attack, 704 00:33:18,080 --> 00:33:20,240 where an American Marine was shot 705 00:33:20,240 --> 00:33:22,763 by a Syrian Democratic Force member. 706 00:33:23,790 --> 00:33:26,340 Just wondering if there are any other incidents 707 00:33:26,340 --> 00:33:28,420 like that that have happened to the coalition 708 00:33:28,420 --> 00:33:31,870 where a partner force has wounded 709 00:33:31,870 --> 00:33:36,033 or fired upon a coalition force member. 710 00:33:41,480 --> 00:33:43,290 - No, and thank you for the question. 711 00:33:43,290 --> 00:33:44,620 As I stand here, 712 00:33:44,620 --> 00:33:46,500 I can think of no other incident 713 00:33:46,500 --> 00:33:48,320 such as that in this AOR, 714 00:33:48,320 --> 00:33:51,460 certainly while I've been the deputy commander. 715 00:33:51,460 --> 00:33:54,942 This tragic incident was an anomaly, 716 00:33:54,942 --> 00:33:59,240 and is not representative of the excellent relationship 717 00:33:59,240 --> 00:34:03,363 we have with partner forces both in Iraq and Syria. 718 00:34:04,530 --> 00:34:05,363 - Thanks for that. 719 00:34:05,363 --> 00:34:07,160 And have you changed the vetting process at all 720 00:34:07,160 --> 00:34:10,053 for anyone who joins the SDF after that incident or no? 721 00:34:14,840 --> 00:34:16,550 - No, and I don't think we needed to. 722 00:34:16,550 --> 00:34:19,920 We have a very effective vetting force, 723 00:34:19,920 --> 00:34:22,340 and I don't think we fully understand 724 00:34:22,340 --> 00:34:24,830 the motives behind what happened, 725 00:34:24,830 --> 00:34:26,370 and I think most likely it was 726 00:34:26,370 --> 00:34:28,670 a tragic misunderstanding that led 727 00:34:28,670 --> 00:34:30,020 to the use of lethal force. 728 00:34:33,660 --> 00:34:34,670 - [Eric] Thank you, General. 729 00:34:34,670 --> 00:34:36,067 Eric Rowe with the (mumbling). 730 00:34:37,144 --> 00:34:38,323 A, could you restate the forces 731 00:34:38,323 --> 00:34:41,720 that will be engaged in the joint patrols in Manbij? 732 00:34:41,720 --> 00:34:44,430 And could you also go into some detail 733 00:34:44,430 --> 00:34:46,270 about what the training for the joint patrols 734 00:34:46,270 --> 00:34:47,103 will look like? 735 00:34:53,651 --> 00:34:54,484 - Yeah, of course. 736 00:34:54,484 --> 00:34:56,110 So the training for the joint patrols 737 00:34:56,110 --> 00:34:58,370 is exactly what you'd expect. 738 00:34:58,370 --> 00:35:01,290 Two different forces need to ensure 739 00:35:01,290 --> 00:35:04,810 that they've done all of the necessary work up training. 740 00:35:04,810 --> 00:35:06,970 They've gone through all of the potential actions 741 00:35:06,970 --> 00:35:09,360 they would take in a various number of scenarios, 742 00:35:09,360 --> 00:35:13,580 and they have exercised and understood the constraints 743 00:35:13,580 --> 00:35:16,640 on the use of force as they go through their operations. 744 00:35:16,640 --> 00:35:17,473 That takes time. 745 00:35:17,473 --> 00:35:20,220 It takes time as we deploy to any theater, 746 00:35:20,220 --> 00:35:21,570 and it's particularly difficult 747 00:35:21,570 --> 00:35:23,710 in the multinational environment, 748 00:35:23,710 --> 00:35:26,610 and particularly in an area such as Manbij, 749 00:35:26,610 --> 00:35:29,610 which is a high risk area on the front line 750 00:35:29,610 --> 00:35:31,850 between areas that are held 751 00:35:31,850 --> 00:35:33,820 and influenced by different forces, 752 00:35:33,820 --> 00:35:36,730 and so that training will start soon 753 00:35:36,730 --> 00:35:38,740 and then as soon as we're ready, 754 00:35:38,740 --> 00:35:40,320 but only when we're ready, 755 00:35:40,320 --> 00:35:42,717 will we start those joint patrols. 756 00:35:42,717 --> 00:35:43,550 - Who were those forces again? 757 00:35:43,550 --> 00:35:44,490 It was the Turkish forces, 758 00:35:44,490 --> 00:35:46,723 and I didn't catch the other one. 759 00:35:54,130 --> 00:35:55,200 - And I didn't hear your question. 760 00:35:55,200 --> 00:35:57,680 If it was who's conducting those joint patrols, 761 00:35:57,680 --> 00:36:00,590 it's Kurds and Turkish forces. 762 00:36:00,590 --> 00:36:01,490 - Okay, thank you. 763 00:36:03,500 --> 00:36:05,533 - [Man] We have time for just one more question. 764 00:36:11,040 --> 00:36:12,180 - Thank you, General. 765 00:36:12,180 --> 00:36:13,853 Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose again. 766 00:36:13,853 --> 00:36:15,950 I just wanted to follow up on my colleague 767 00:36:15,950 --> 00:36:17,730 from The New York Times' question. 768 00:36:17,730 --> 00:36:19,700 You called the February incident 769 00:36:19,700 --> 00:36:22,050 in which a Marine was shot 770 00:36:22,050 --> 00:36:24,850 by an SDF fighter a tragic misunderstanding. 771 00:36:24,850 --> 00:36:26,220 Can you elaborate? 772 00:36:26,220 --> 00:36:28,470 Was the SDF fighter confused? 773 00:36:28,470 --> 00:36:31,143 Did he believe that the Marine was an enemy? 774 00:36:36,200 --> 00:36:39,100 - Well, the truth is we can't be sure. 775 00:36:39,100 --> 00:36:41,680 So we know the mechanics of what happened, 776 00:36:41,680 --> 00:36:44,130 but we don't know the motives of what happened, 777 00:36:44,130 --> 00:36:45,910 and it's entirely likely that the incident 778 00:36:45,910 --> 00:36:48,800 was sparked by a negligent discharge at a point 779 00:36:48,800 --> 00:36:51,210 where there was high tension anyway. 780 00:36:51,210 --> 00:36:54,450 You know, we in the military, on combat operations, 781 00:36:54,450 --> 00:36:57,200 are always at high tension, 782 00:36:57,200 --> 00:36:59,243 and there's an element of friction 783 00:36:59,243 --> 00:37:03,650 that professional forces have learned to deal with, 784 00:37:03,650 --> 00:37:06,500 and in this case, it seems like there may have been 785 00:37:06,500 --> 00:37:08,130 some form of tragic misunderstanding 786 00:37:08,130 --> 00:37:10,603 which led to the actions and the loss of life. 787 00:37:11,460 --> 00:37:13,720 - Follow up my last question. 788 00:37:13,720 --> 00:37:15,610 The Marine who shot this SDF fighter, 789 00:37:15,610 --> 00:37:17,740 his award citation lists several times 790 00:37:17,740 --> 00:37:19,200 that he removed a threat, 791 00:37:19,200 --> 00:37:22,560 that he acted appropriately, that this was a shooter. 792 00:37:22,560 --> 00:37:26,270 That seems to contradict what you just said. 793 00:37:26,270 --> 00:37:28,283 Can you clarify the situation? 794 00:37:31,950 --> 00:37:32,833 - No, not at all. 795 00:37:33,690 --> 00:37:37,120 So the Marine in question responded very quickly 796 00:37:37,120 --> 00:37:40,360 to what he considered was a threat, 797 00:37:40,360 --> 00:37:42,260 and he did that in an exceptional way 798 00:37:42,260 --> 00:37:43,560 for which he was rewarded. 799 00:37:46,670 --> 00:37:47,503 - Thank you all, 800 00:37:47,503 --> 00:37:49,490 but that's all the time we have for your questions. 801 00:37:49,490 --> 00:37:52,193 Sir, do you have any final words for those here? 802 00:37:56,373 --> 00:37:57,720 - I'd just like to say thank you. 803 00:37:57,720 --> 00:38:00,949 Thank you to all of you for your reporting. 804 00:38:00,949 --> 00:38:03,750 I've been in this theater now for a year, 805 00:38:03,750 --> 00:38:06,010 and much progress has been made, 806 00:38:06,010 --> 00:38:07,430 but we all know there's still a lot more 807 00:38:07,430 --> 00:38:10,260 to be done to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS. 808 00:38:10,260 --> 00:38:11,093 Thank you. 809 00:38:13,470 --> 00:38:15,370 - Sir, thank you and have a great day. 810 00:38:18,891 --> 00:38:19,837 - And you.