Rep. Gallego Statement on Al-Baghdadi Raid
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) released the following statement after reports that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a U.S. military operation:
"The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is a blow to ISIS, and the world is a safer place without him. I am thankful for the service members who go into harm's way to undertake missions like these.
"I share the concerns of Speaker Pelosi and Armed Services Committee Chairman Smith that Russian sources were made aware of this operation before Congressional leadership. This White House has a pattern of prioritizing Russian interests over American ones that must not be allowed to continue.
"I also note that it appears that this and other operations in recent days have been enabled by our Kurdish – not Turkish – allies. The Syrian Democratic Forces have maintained their honor and courage even after President Trump's betrayal. I fear that Trump's actions may make this kind of cooperation and coordination more difficult in the future, and render our national security more vulnerable as a result.
"I look forward to continuing the work of Congress and the Armed Services Committee to provide the resources and authorities to ensure that ISIS troops allowed to escape as a result of Trump's actions do not result in a rapid replacement of al-Baghdadi atop a resurgent ISIS."