Congressman Kim on Airstrike Against Iranian Military Leadership

Statement

Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) released the following statement on the death of Maj. General Qassim Suleimani:

"Suleimani was a murderer who has the blood of Americans and our allies on his hands. There is no doubt about that. But there is also no doubt that these strikes significantly heighten the risk to Americans living in the region including our military and diplomatic presence. The potential for severe retaliation from Iran and Iranian-backed forces is very real, and decisions made during the coming hours and days will determine whether we see the threat of a greater regional war in the Middle East realized. We need to ensure the safety of Americans in the region and to take every measure to avoid the outbreak of war."

Congressman Kim is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and as a Member of the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Emerging Threats and Capabilities. Prior to serving in Congress, Congressman Kim served in Afghanistan as Strategic Advisor to Generals David Petraeus and John Allen. Kim went on to serve as Director of Iraq in Obama's National Security Council where he coordinated the crisis response to countering the rise of ISIS.

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