The lawmakers also said that a sustained fight against the sect is in the ‘national security interest of the United States.’
Members of the US House of Representatives have said that Boko Haram is still a threat to the country.
The lawmakers also said that a sustained fight against the sect is in the ‘national security interest of the United States.’
The
comments were made at a hearing held on Friday, May 15, 2015, by the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, while passing the amendment to the
National Defence Authorization Act to combat Boko Haram.
According to Committee Chairman, Ed Royce:
“Boko
Haram is notorious for their vicious kidnappings, killings, and
pillaging throughout northern Nigeria. But the story is beginning to
change – these terrorists are starting to feel some heat.”
“The
Nigerian military has higher morale, and the Africa Union task force is
cutting off Boko Haram’s supply lines and reclaiming towns. The pieces
are coming into place to destroy this terrorist group; the forces
fighting Boko Haram just need crucial support to get the job done.”
“Passing this amendment reaffirms US’ support for the forces on the front lines combating Boko Haram.”
Committee member, Carolyn Maloney supported Royce’s call saying that fighting Boko Haram must remain a national security priority.
“I
am proud to stand with Chairman Royce in support of his amendment to
clearly affirm that Boko Haram presents a threat not just to one nation,
but to the world. Combatting Boko Haram is and should remain a national
security priority – and we must remain vigilant in fighting this
enemy,” Maloney said.
The amendment titled
‘Report on United States efforts to combat Boko Haram and support
regional allies and other partners’ reads:
“Combating
Boko Haram is in the national security interest of the United States;
the United States should support regional partners, including the
African Union-authorised Multinational Joint Task Force, through
training and advice and the provision of key enablers to strengthen
operations against Boko Haram.”
Meanwhile, the US has also maintained the $7 million (N1.4 billion) bounty it placed on Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, who has been named among the 71 most wanted terrorists in the world.
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