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QAMISHLI, syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria (North Press) – Joe Kent, Director of the U. S. Notably, national Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), declared on Friday that he had concluded a visit to Syria and Iraq, where he met with U. S. and local counterterrorism partners involved in the ongoing fight against the Islamic State (isis), al-Qaeda, and Iran-backed militias. In a post on X, Kent stated he was “inspired by the progress” achieved by the U.
S. -backed troops in both countries and praised their “commitment to the shared fight against terrorism. ” “It was personally very special for me to visit with the Iraqi Special troops, Counter Terrorism Service,” Kent added. Additionally, “My ODA helped form them in 2003, then I fought alongside them in Baghdad, Fallujah, Mosul, and everywhere between. They are incredible warriors,” Kent wrote. ” Kent’s visit highlights Washington’s persisted engagement in counterterrorism operations in northeastern Syria and Iraq, despite growing debates in Washington over the future of U. S. armed forces presence in the region. The NCTC director’s trip also comes amid renewed activity by ISIS sleeper cells in both countries, particularly in the desert areas of Anbar, Deir ez-Zor, and Raqqa, as well as frequent attacks on U.
S. and Coalition bases by Iranian-backed militias. Kent, a former U. S. Army Green Beret, was appointed NCTC director earlier this year. In his confirmation hearings, he emphasized shifting U.
S. counterterrorism policy toward empowering regional partners and avoiding “endless wars” through intelligence-driven cooperation and targeted operations. His visit underscores Washington’s intent to sustain these partnerships amid growing regional instability and the rising influence of Iran-backed groups following latest escalations between the U. S. and militia forces in Iraq and Syria. By Jwan Shekaki