U.S. Strikes in Nigeria and Syria Align with Policy to Combat ISIS, Republican Lawmaker States
U.S. Military Strikes: A Consistent Approach to Combatting Extremism
Recent military actions in Nigeria and Syria reflect a steadfast alignment with long-standing U.S. foreign policy aimed at defeating Islamic extremism, according to senior Republican officials.
Enduring Strategy Against Islamic State
Mike Turner, a congressman from Ohio and a prominent member of the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized that the U.S. strikes against terrorist camps in Nigeria are part of an ongoing effort to combat the Islamic State (IS). In an interview on Sunday, he declared, “It’s been, you know, around the world, Iraq, Syria. You’re seeing it now in Nigeria.”
Consistency in U.S. Military Policy
Turner refuted suggestions that the strikes indicate a shift in military strategy during the second term of the administration. He asserted that U.S. policy remains “very consistent” in its objective to defeat IS, whether in Iraq, Syria, or Nigeria. He stated, “We’re seeing that IS around the world has not been defeated but will continue to be a target, and something that, with our allies, we’re going to have to continue to respond to, or they’re going to continue to be a threat.”
Reactions to Recent Military Actions
The Pentagon’s recent cruise missile strike in northwestern Nigeria has sparked commentary from various officials, including President Donald Trump. Three days post-strike, Trump referred to the action as a much-needed response and highlighted the ongoing persecution of Christians in the region. He warned Nigeria and surrounding countries against such acts, stating, “If you do it, you’re going to get hit.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced this stance, declaring that the Trump administration has rebranded the Department of Defense as the “war department” and is committed to protecting vulnerable populations. Hegseth noted, “The killing of innocent Christians in Nigeria (and elsewhere) must end.”
U.S. Position on Ukraine and Russia
Turner also addressed the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. He cautioned that Vladimir Putin’s recent military actions serve as a stark reminder of the adversarial nature of Russia. “We can’t be for this. When we address the issue of whose side we’re on, you can’t be America first and be pro-Russia,” he stated. The congressman underscored that the United States must remain firm in its commitment to supporting Ukraine against external aggression.
