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Hagel: ISIS 'beyond anything that we've seen,' US must 'get ready'
Published August 22, 2014
FoxNews.com
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a dire warning Thursday about the threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist group, saying the organization is "beyond anything that we've seen."
Hagel spoke at a press conference in which he addressed the execution of American journalist James Foley, at the hands of terrorists from the group, also known as ISIS or ISIL. The U.S. military continues to launch airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northern Iraq, in support of Iraqi and Kurdish forces, but Hagel suggested more action may be necessary.
"ISIL is as sophisticated and well-funded as any group that we have seen," Hagel said. "They're beyond just a terrorist group. They marry ideology, a sophistication of strategic and tactical military prowess. They are tremendously well-funded. Oh, this is beyond anything that we've seen. So we must prepare for everything."
He said the only way to do that is take a "cold, steely hard look" and "get ready."
The U.S. has restricted its military action to Iraq, but concerns have increased as the Islamic militant group extends its reach from safe havens in Syria across the Iraqi border.
Speaking alongside Hagel at a Pentagon news conference, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey said that although the Islamic State group can be contained it cannot be defeated without attacking it in Syria.
Hagel ISIS beyond anything that we ve seen US must get ready Fox News
Published August 22, 2014
FoxNews.com
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a dire warning Thursday about the threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist group, saying the organization is "beyond anything that we've seen."
Hagel spoke at a press conference in which he addressed the execution of American journalist James Foley, at the hands of terrorists from the group, also known as ISIS or ISIL. The U.S. military continues to launch airstrikes against Islamic State targets in northern Iraq, in support of Iraqi and Kurdish forces, but Hagel suggested more action may be necessary.
"ISIL is as sophisticated and well-funded as any group that we have seen," Hagel said. "They're beyond just a terrorist group. They marry ideology, a sophistication of strategic and tactical military prowess. They are tremendously well-funded. Oh, this is beyond anything that we've seen. So we must prepare for everything."
He said the only way to do that is take a "cold, steely hard look" and "get ready."
The U.S. has restricted its military action to Iraq, but concerns have increased as the Islamic militant group extends its reach from safe havens in Syria across the Iraqi border.
Speaking alongside Hagel at a Pentagon news conference, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey said that although the Islamic State group can be contained it cannot be defeated without attacking it in Syria.
Hagel ISIS beyond anything that we ve seen US must get ready Fox News