The United States’ House of Representatives has said that Boko Haram is still a threat to the American country.
At a hearing held on Friday by the House
Foreign Affairs Committee, while passing the amendment to the National
Defence Authorisation Act to combat Boko Haram, the US’ lawmakers stated
that the insurgents’ activities could not be ignored despite the heat
they currently are experiencing from the Nigerian troops.
The Chairman of the committee, Ed Royce,
said, “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.”
Another member of the committee, Carolyn Maloney noted that the Islamist group needed to be dealt with completely.
Maloney said, “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.”
The amended act titled, ‘Report on United
States efforts to combat Boko Haram and support regional allies and
other partners’, the US’ lawmakers noted that since the terrorist group
remains a national security threat to the country, Washington should
continue to work closely with all its allies in combating the
insurgents.
“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.
“Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defence and the Secretary
of State shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report on an assessment of the threat of Boko Haram to
United States national security interests; a description of United
States’ efforts to combat Boko Haram, including the authorities to carry
out such efforts and the roles and missions of the Department of
Defence and Department of State; a description of military equipment,
supplies, training, and other defence articles and services, including
by type, quantity, and prioritisation of such items, required to combat
Boko Haram effectively and the gaps within regional allies to engage in
the mission to combat Boko Haram,” the report said.
The House committee also asked the US
government to provide the list of military equipment, supplies,
training, and other defence articles and services that the government
had provided, “is providing, and plans to provide to regional allies and
other partners to combat Boko Haram.”
culled from punch
Geez!
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