Corker Statement on Obama Administration Decision to Approve Targeting of ISIS in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – Following reports that the White House approved a request from the U.S. Department of Defense to authorize the targeting of ISIS militants in Afghanistan, U.S. Senator Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the followed statement.

“I'm glad the administration is using the legal authority it already has to combat ISIS in Afghanistan,” said Corker. "It has been a mistake to target al Qaeda but not ISIS in Afghanistan—a mistake that has permitted ISIS to expand its reach and influence. More broadly, we know that any further drawdown of allied forces in Afghanistan creates even bigger risks for the Afghan people, for the region, and for our national security. In the face of these threats, the president should make clear our continued commitment, together with our NATO partners, to sustain the current force in Afghanistan.”

Corker recently returned from his fifth visit to Afghanistan (Jan. 7–8) since taking office where he met with U.S. and Afghan officials to assess the current state of U.S. security and assistance efforts to help Afghanistan defend and stabilize their country and reinforce American interests.

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