Rogers Statement on al Qaeda Terrorist Leader Qasem al-Rimi Killing

WASHINGTON – Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), House Homeland Security Committee ranking member, today released the following statement after the White House announced a successful counterterrorism operation in Yemen that resulted in the death of Qasem al-Rimi, the leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

“The elimination of al Qaeda terrorist leader Qasem al-Rimi is a clear counterterrorism victory. I applaud the President and the men and women of our military and Intelligence Community for carrying out another successful strike. Sustained counterterrorism pressure against al Qaeda and ISIS is critical to eliminating their capabilities to target the homeland. Qasem al-Rimi posed a direct threat to the United States. He supported efforts to radicalize individuals and directed attacks against the United States and Europe. He was linked directly to Osama bin Laden and served as the deputy to the current al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. His death serves as an important message – the United States will continue to target and eliminate terrorists who threaten our country and citizens.”

 

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