WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the bombing in Baghdad:

“I strongly condemn today’s bombing in Baghdad, and my thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.  This appalling loss of life is a reminder of the sort of enemy we’re facing in ISIS: cowards who would attack innocent men and women in a shopping district as they prepared for the holiday to end the holy month of Ramadan. 

“The recent string of deadly attacks carried out and inspired by ISIS shows that only by remaining committed for the long haul will we effectively confront this brutal terrorist group.  The recent successes of coalition forces on the battlefield are a positive step, but only a piece of the puzzle.  In addition, the United States must work with friends and allies to strengthen the way we gather and share intelligence, track the movement of terrorists across borders, and deny ISIS the ability to recruit fighters and spread its hateful propaganda online.

“In the days ahead, we must recommit ourselves to the defeat of ISIS and of violent extremism all over the world.”

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