10.27.19

Sullivan Statement on the Death of ISIS Leader Baghdadi

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement regarding the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi:

“Congratulations to President Trump, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Milley, Defense Secretary Esper, and most importantly the incredible men and women in our special forces and intelligence services, on the successful raid that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“There has been a lot of focus over the past few weeks on the Trump administration’s decisions in Northern Syria. Much less attention has been given to the remarkable accomplishments that the administration and our special forces have made towards crushing and defeating ISIS over the past 3 years.

“When the Trump administration came into office almost 3 years ago, ISIS was on the rise, controlling a massive territorial caliphate in the Middle East. Al-Baghdadi was rightfully viewed as the most ruthless and dangerous terrorist in the world.

“In the past few weeks, I have raised concerns with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs about the potential resurgence of ISIS. The daring mission last night, executed by our special forces, will no doubt make it more difficult for ISIS to regroup, threaten the U.S., our citizens, or our allies. As the president said, our military is the very best in the world, and because of that, terrorists who threaten our country will never be able to sleep soundly at night. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to these brave men and women.”

Senator Sullivan serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. He is a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, serving with the Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

 

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