The US Army Criminal Investigation Unit is looking into allegations that the four-star general who heads the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Erik Kurilla, pushed a service member on a plane during an overseas trip, AP reported, citing US officials.
The incident occurred in early September on a C-17 Globemaster III. General Kurilla was frustrated by communications issues on the transport plane and had a heated exchange before taking action to push the serviceman.
General Kurilla is still active and is currently in the Middle East.
In a statement on November 1, the US Army Criminal Investigation Unit confirmed that it was aware of the allegations and was investigating the incident. "No additional information is available at this time," the statement said.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Unit routinely conducts preliminary investigations when allegations of misconduct arise to determine whether a full investigation is warranted.
General Kurilla has traveled extensively in the Middle East, including several trips to Israel and other US allies in the region as Israel's war with Hamas and Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon rage.
General Kurilla assumed command of CENTCOM in April 2022, overseeing US operations in the Middle East and Asia, including efforts to counter Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as well as operations in Iraq and Syria against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
General Kurilla is a graduate of the US Military Academy, officially joining the force in 1988. During his 36-year career, he served as commander of the 82nd Airborne Division and the XVIII Airborne Corps, among other leadership roles. The US general was also deputy chief of staff for special operations and counterterrorism and chief of staff of CENTCOM.
