The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks in Iraq by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, an al-Qaida offshoot known as ISIL. A statement from the White House underscores the United States’ commitment “to assist the Iraqi people as they confront the threat that ISIL poses to Iraq and the region.”
Over the past week, ISIL terrorists have made significant advances in Iraq and have created a humanitarian crisis for the Iraqi people. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have fled their homes in the wake of the onslaught.
The White House said that ISIL’s recent actions in Mosul and surrounding areas “demonstrate once again that these extremists seek nothing but death and destruction.” The White House promised to “stand with Iraqi leaders across the political spectrum as they forge the national unity necessary to succeed in the fight against ISIL.”
At a press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the United States has expedited military shipments to Iraq since the beginning of the year, and “we will provide additional assistance to the Iraqi government to combat the threat from ISIL.
“Iraq and the Government of Iraq remains a crucial partner in our fight against terrorism, and we will continue to work with them in a range of capacities moving forward.” said Ms Psaki. “This is a threat to the people of Iraq and to the entire region, including surrounding countries.”
In its statement, the White House pledged to work with the U.S. Congress to support President Barack Obama’s request for $5 billion for the new Counterterrorism Partnership Fund, “which will provide flexibility and resources to help Iraq respond to emerging needs as the terrorist threat from ISIL continues to evolve. Under the Strategic Framework Agreement, we will also continue to provide, and as required increase, assistance to the Government of Iraq to help build Iraq’s capacity to effectively and sustainably stop ISIL’s efforts to wreak havoc on Iraq and the region.”
Over the past week, ISIL terrorists have made significant advances in Iraq and have created a humanitarian crisis for the Iraqi people. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have fled their homes in the wake of the onslaught.
The White House said that ISIL’s recent actions in Mosul and surrounding areas “demonstrate once again that these extremists seek nothing but death and destruction.” The White House promised to “stand with Iraqi leaders across the political spectrum as they forge the national unity necessary to succeed in the fight against ISIL.”
At a press briefing, State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the United States has expedited military shipments to Iraq since the beginning of the year, and “we will provide additional assistance to the Iraqi government to combat the threat from ISIL.
“Iraq and the Government of Iraq remains a crucial partner in our fight against terrorism, and we will continue to work with them in a range of capacities moving forward.” said Ms Psaki. “This is a threat to the people of Iraq and to the entire region, including surrounding countries.”
In its statement, the White House pledged to work with the U.S. Congress to support President Barack Obama’s request for $5 billion for the new Counterterrorism Partnership Fund, “which will provide flexibility and resources to help Iraq respond to emerging needs as the terrorist threat from ISIL continues to evolve. Under the Strategic Framework Agreement, we will also continue to provide, and as required increase, assistance to the Government of Iraq to help build Iraq’s capacity to effectively and sustainably stop ISIL’s efforts to wreak havoc on Iraq and the region.”
