CENTCOM
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In a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill yesterday, General Austin along with Undersecretary of Defense Christine Wormuth, stated that the Islamic State will be defeated without ground U.S. combat troops. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, Commander U.S. Central Command, said the Islamic extremist group is already losing the ability to govern and hold territory in Iraq and Syria following seven months of U.S. and coalition airstrikes, and that eventually it will be pushed out. The U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq has killed more than 8,500 Islamic State fighters since its bombing campaign began in August, he said.
Undersecretary of Defense Christine Wormuth stated, “As we work to degrade and defeat ISIL, and to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, we remain committed to moving to a smaller force in Afghanistan and consolidating the gains made over the past decade of international support to the Afghan government. The U.S. mission in Afghanistan has helped support the Afghan people, and has protected U.S. national interests by working with local partners to build the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces so that they can serve as a legitimate line of defense against terrorists seeking to exploit Afghanistan’s territory. It is clear that much work still needs to be done, but we have made positive strides. President Ghani sees the U.S. and NATO presence as a very important component for his security strategy for Afghanistan. Our posture in Afghanistan aims to preserve the security gains that our efforts have made, and contribute to a robust security relationship in times ahead.
We also will continue to work with Pakistan and the Central Asian states to address existing and emerging threats in the region. Like Afghanistan, Pakistan also faces a potent threat from extremists. We are committed to continuing to improve our relationship with Pakistan by collaborating where our strategic interests converge and engaging diplomatically where they do not. Pakistan is an important partner in our fight against al Qaeda, and plays a role in Afghanistan’s security. Sustained U.S. support that recognizes positive developments in these initiatives will help to promote long-term regional stability.”
General Austin and Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth both backed the Obama administration insistence that any war authorization passed by Congress should limit another United States ground war in Iraq.
Abdul Quddus
DET - U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurdu
Undersecretary of Defense Christine Wormuth stated, “As we work to degrade and defeat ISIL, and to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, we remain committed to moving to a smaller force in Afghanistan and consolidating the gains made over the past decade of international support to the Afghan government. The U.S. mission in Afghanistan has helped support the Afghan people, and has protected U.S. national interests by working with local partners to build the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces so that they can serve as a legitimate line of defense against terrorists seeking to exploit Afghanistan’s territory. It is clear that much work still needs to be done, but we have made positive strides. President Ghani sees the U.S. and NATO presence as a very important component for his security strategy for Afghanistan. Our posture in Afghanistan aims to preserve the security gains that our efforts have made, and contribute to a robust security relationship in times ahead.
We also will continue to work with Pakistan and the Central Asian states to address existing and emerging threats in the region. Like Afghanistan, Pakistan also faces a potent threat from extremists. We are committed to continuing to improve our relationship with Pakistan by collaborating where our strategic interests converge and engaging diplomatically where they do not. Pakistan is an important partner in our fight against al Qaeda, and plays a role in Afghanistan’s security. Sustained U.S. support that recognizes positive developments in these initiatives will help to promote long-term regional stability.”
General Austin and Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth both backed the Obama administration insistence that any war authorization passed by Congress should limit another United States ground war in Iraq.
Abdul Quddus
DET - U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurdu
