McConnell Statement on Military Action Against the Assad Regime
‘Tonight, the administration notified me of the president's decision to use military action to deter Bashar al-Assad and respond to the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons against its own people. I support both the action and objective.’
LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding tonight’s military action taken against the Syrian regime:
“Tonight, the administration notified me of the president's decision to use military action to deter Bashar al-Assad and respond to the Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons against its own people. I support both the action and objective.
“The tactics employed by the Assad regime to consolidate gains and terrorize the people of Syria defied the U.S. position that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable.
“Last year, we undertook cruise missile strikes against the Shayrat airfield -- from which aircraft used in a chemical weapons attack had been launched -- and against assets of importance to the regime such as aircraft, hardened shelters, and air defense systems. These actions were intended to make clear to Assad that the use of chemical weapons would be met with a response.
“Assad ignored that warning. He ignored the declaratory policy of the United States. He chose to terrorize the people of Douma.
“The planning for this robust operation by the United States and our allies was clearly well-considered. It is evident that the President was provided with a number of options, and that our forces executed a challenging mission.
“As I noted following last year’s action, our gratitude goes out to the world’s most capable military. Americans have become used to flawless execution on the part of our uniformed military -- but of course, none of this could occur without years of training and investment, or the professionalism and dedication of our service members.”
Related Issues: Syria, America's Military
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