On August 13, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) welcomed a delegation spearheaded by the departing commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Major General Mathew McFarlane, and his successor, Major General Joel B. Vowell.
Expressing his gratitude, Prime Minister Barzani acknowledged MG McFarlane’s impactful service and extended his best wishes for the next phase of his career. Simultaneously, the Prime Minister congratulated MG Vowell on his new role, reiterating the KRG’s unwavering support and dedication to ensuring the success of his mission.
The meeting primarily focused on reforms conducted by the Ministry of Peshmerga, emphasising strategies for unifying the forces and mitigating political interference. Additionally, the leaders extensively discussed the latest proactive counter-operations against ISIS threats in both Iraq and Syria.