President Joe Biden (D) announced that, under his orders, a counterterrorism operation was conducted “to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place.” The operation resulted in the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of ISIS. In response, the President has received bipartisan support, and one lawmaker that is extending praise is Florida Rep. Michael Waltz (R).
President Biden released a statement after reports began to circulate surrounding the operation.
“Last night at my direction, U.S. military forces in the northwest Syria successfully undertook a counterterrorism operation to protect the American people and our Allies, and make the world a safer place,” said the President, adding that “thanks to the skill and bravery of our Armed Forces, we have taken off the battlefield Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi-the leader of ISIS.”
Biden also commented that “all Americans have returned safely from the operation” and ensuring that he will provide further information later in the day.
Florida Rep. Waltz, who has been a sharp critic of the President regarding his handling of the military and regarding tension in the Middle East, released a statement extending praise to the President.
“I applaud President Biden’s order to take out ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayashi,” said Waltz, explaining that “for those who claim no we no longer need troops in the Middle East, we cannot conduct these types of missions without nearby bases, intelligence, special forces, and local allies.”
Waltz expressed that “we currently have NONE of these capabilities to address the resurgence of ISIS and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and I hope the Biden Administration takes necessary steps to address this growing threat.”
Last year, tension in the Middle East heightened after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan amidst the President’s order to remove military presence.
