Washington, DC, USA (us.gov.krd) - On December 20, 2021, Representative Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman had a virtual meeting with Ms. Dana Stroul, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East at the US Department of Defense.

Representative Abdul Rahman expressed the Kurdistan Region’s concerns regarding the increased attacks and activities of ISIS in Iraq, particularly in the disputed areas. She said increased cooperation between the Peshmerga and Iraqi Security forces is needed.

The two also discussed the role of US forces in Iraq as it shifts to a solely advisory role. Stroul reaffirmed the United States commitment and said assistance, advice, and training to the Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces will continue. The Representative thanked the Department of Defense, as well as other departments and the US Congress for the support they have provided to the Kurdistan Regional Government.