Sweeney Statement on Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

Sweeney Statement on Abu Musab al-Zarqawi

Representative John E. Sweeney (R-Clifton Park) today issued the following statement in response to reports that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the al-Qaida leader in Iraq who waged a bloody campaign of suicide bombings and beheadings of hostages, has been killed in a precision air strike:

"This is an important milestone for Iraq, the United States, democracy and our steadfast, committed troops who never waver for a second from their mission. Zarqawi was the leader of the terrorist movement in Iraq. He led a campaign of car bombings, assassinations and suicide attacks that has taken the lives of many American forces and thousands of innocent Iraqis.

"Osama bin Laden called this Jordanian terrorist 'the prince of al Qaeda in Iraq.' Zarqawi personally beheaded American hostages and other civilians in Iraq. He masterminded many operations of destruction and oversaw a vicious reign of terror.

"Zarqawi represents the insidious forces that we are fighting in the War on Terror. This is a critical example of why we must stay the course and finish this mission. Why we have an obligation to rid Iraq of the hatred and zealotry that festers. As Iraqis celebrate the end of this terrorists reign, the young government they are forming will only be strengthened by this action as they continue to determine their own future.

"In addition, the appointments of the Ministers of Defense and the Interior today were positive political steps for establishing a united, free, and sovereign Iraq. We have a demanding task ahead of us, but we are making concrete progress. We remain committed to supporting the efforts of the Iraqi people and working with them and our coalition partners to bring peace and democracy to Iraq and the region.

"None of this would be possible without the courage and fortitude of our American troops and our allies. Each time I have been to Iraq, I have witnessed their selfless strength and commitment and I am humbled by it. Our nation and the people of Iraq owe a deep debt to these amazing men and women that can never truly be repaid. I am continually impressed by our armed forces and words cannot truly express my gratitude. On behalf of a grateful nation I simply say, thank you for a job well done."

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ny20_sweeney/PR060806ABU.html