WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s recent strikes against the Islamic State in Nigeria.

“Extremist groups in West Africa unquestionably pose serious threats, from transnational terrorism to arms, human, and drug trafficking. They are clearly a problem for regional stability. The question we are faced with is how President Trump ordering Thursday's strikes in Nigeria will address that problem. 

“It is not clear from these actions that the administration is executing any sort of strategic plan for addressing these threats, nor is there an explanation of how these strikes fit into and advance such a plan. Also, how is the administration working with the Nigerians and other regional partners? 

“Further, Trump’s claims that the group struck Thursday are targeting mostly Christians is factually wrong and potentially dangerous. Far more Muslims are being killed by ISIS in the region. Trump’s rhetoric runs the risk of pushing us down the road towards a global religious war. It is unnecessarily escalatory and, if it leads to a broader conflict, it clearly places more Americans everywhere at greater risk.

“Rather than embarking on another military campaign in a manner that seems to reflect launching the United States into a global holy war, it would be more prudent and effective for us to partner with countries in the region to build their capacity to take on these threats. 

“I urge my colleagues in the majority to join in the efforts to get answers about the administration’s aims and help encourage them to correct course to work toward effectively building regional stability and preventing the spread of violent extremists before we find ourselves in another forever war.”