WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding airstrikes in Syria:

"I applaud the President's decision to take military action against ISIS and Al Qaeda in Syria. These airstrikes will help to loosen their grip on territory and stem their advances. I'm especially pleased that our regional partners are playing a substantial role in this operation.

"ISIS has destroyed the border between Syria and Iraq. The region under its control is a single theater, and we need to target ISIS terrorists throughout the territory. ISIS represents a clear threat to our interests and if left unchecked, our homeland.

"At the same time, our action against Al Qaeda put a stop to an imminent threat against our interests. To echo what the President said earlier this month, 'We will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country.'

"Today we should be grateful to all our service members for their commitment, and pray for their safety and success."

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