A Closer Look at National Security Threats

Recently I joined House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and other Members of Congress on an overseas delegation to examine the spread of Islamic terror and other threats to the United States and its allies. The trip enabled us to assess the counter-ISIS campaign being conducted in Iraq and Syria and the emerging terrorist safe havens across North Africa, as well as examine the threat posed by foreign fighters, returnees, and homegrown radicals to the region and other parts of the world.

Egypt

In the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, U.S. troops form the backbone of a multinational force dedicated to peacekeeping operations in the region. We were briefed about how ISIS is quickly establishing a foothold in the surrounding area, putting the peacekeepers, Egyptian forces, the local population, and others at risk.

Bahrain

Bahrain is a key ally in the Middle East. Its location on the Persian Gulf makes it a valuable partner to U.S. forces fighting ISIS and countering other threats in the region. I was able visit with some sailors from Texas aboard the supercarrier USS Harry S. Truman, which is responsible for conducting air strikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq.

Tunisia

The proliferation of foreign fighters from Tunisia and its proximity to the ISIS safe haven of Libya are threatening the nation’s security.