FROM: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Condemns Attacks and Pledges to Support Iraq in the Fight Against ISIL
Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
December 22, 2013
The United States condemns the recent attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) against Iraqi soldiers, elected officials, civilians, and military commanders. ISIL, a branch of al-Qa'ida, is a common enemy of the United States and the Republic of Iraq, and a threat to the greater Middle East region.
The Strategic Framework Agreement between our two countries provides the basis for long-term security cooperation, and we remain committed to helping strengthen Iraqi forces in their ongoing fight against ISIL. We also note the unanimous condemnation of the attacks yesterday by Iraqi officials, including the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Council of Representatives, as well as the detention in recent days of al-Qa'ida affiliated militants in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
We will continue to work with all Iraqi leaders to promote political progress and isolate violent extremist networks. We further call on regional leaders to take active measures to police the funding and recruitment for these groups, including ISIL and the al-Nusrah front, and deter the flow of foreign fighters into Syria, many of whom later conduct suicide bombings against innocent civilians in Iraq.
The United States mourns the loss of life in recent days, and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. We also stand with the Iraqi Security Forces, civilian leaders, tribes, and local councils, in their fight against terrorists who are seeking to gain control of territory inside the borders of Iraq. By working together, we will ensure these terrorists cannot succeed.
