Federal policy on the Islamic State and terrorism, 2017-2018

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Note: This page tracked major events and policy positions of the Trump administration and the 115th United States Congress on the Islamic State and terrorism from 2017 and 2018.

In a speech on May 21, 2017, President Donald Trump stated the goal of defeating the self-described Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, also known as ISIS, ISIL, and Daesh. He called on Sunni Arab nations to work with the United States to build a coalition with the goal of eradicating extremism and terrorism in the Middle East.[1]

The Islamic State group is a terrorist organization that rose to prominence in June 2014 when it took control of Mosul, Iraq, and declared the establishment of a caliphate. On August 7, 2014, President Barack Obama (D) authorized the first airstrikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In April 2018, Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of U.S. Central Command, said U.S. troops, Iraqi Security Forces, and Syrian opposition groups had liberated 90 percent of land once held by ISIS. He added that “[t]here still are some areas where they are present and that we will have to continue to operate on.”[2][3][4][5]

This page outlines major events and policy positions of the Trump administration and the 115th Congress on the Islamic State terrorist group and terrorism from 2017 to 2018. Click on the timeline below to learn more about each headline.

May 1, 2018: U.S. and allies launch final operations to defeat ISIS in Syria

On May 1, 2018, the State Department announced that the United States and its allies, including the Syrian Democratic Forces, launched final operations to defeat ISIS in Syria.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement, "The fighting will be difficult, but we and our partners will prevail. We will defend United States, Coalition, and partner forces if attacked. The days of ISIS controlling territory and terrorizing the people of Syria are coming to an end. We will work with our NATO ally Turkey and our partners Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon to secure their borders from ISIS. We will seek further fair share contributions in forces, material, and resources from regional partners and allies to stabilize liberated territories. As the President said in remarks with President Emmanuel Macron of France, we will ensure that there is a strong and lasting footprint in Syria such that ISIS cannot return and populations liberated from ISIS are not exploited by the Assad regime or its Iranian supporters."[6]

April 4, 2018: Trump agrees to keep U.S. troops in Syria

On April 4, 2018, after consulting U.S. military commanders, President Donald Trump agreed to keep U.S. troops in Syria until the complete defeat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group. He said he expected the operation to defeat ISIS to end in months, not years.[7]

One day earlier, on April 3, 2018, Trump said that he wanted to bring members of the military serving in Syria home. He said, “I want to get out. I want to bring our troops back home. I want to start rebuilding our nation. … Seven trillion dollars in the Middle East over the last 17 years, we get nothing out of it … except death and destruction. It’s a horrible thing.”[8][9]

During a news conference, he said one of the reasons he wanted to leave the region was the success the U.S. and its allies had fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terror group. He also said that he would consider keeping some U.S. troops there if other countries in the region paid for the extended military presence. Trump said, "Saudi Arabia is very interested in our decision. I said, 'Well, you want us to stay, maybe you are going to have to pay.’ It's very costly for our country and it helps other countries a hell of a lot more than it helps us."[8][9]

On the same day, while speaking at the U.S. Institute of Peace, Gen. Joseph Votel, the commander of U.S. Central Command, advised against leaving the region. He said that although U.S. troops, Iraqi Security Forces, and Syrian opposition groups were able to liberate 90 percent of land once held by ISIS, “[t]here still are some areas where they are present and that we will have to continue to operate on.”[5]

Brett McGurk, the State Department's special envoy to the global coalition to defeat ISIS, agreed with Votel, saying, “ISIS is not finished. We are in Syria to fight ISIS. That is our mission and our mission isn’t over, and we’re going to complete that mission.”[5]

On April 4, 2018, the White House released the following statement on Syria: “The military mission to eradicate ISIS in Syria is coming to a rapid end, with ISIS being almost completely destroyed. The United States and our partners remain committed to eliminating the small ISIS presence in Syria that our forces have not already eradicated. We will continue to consult with our allies and friends regarding future plans. We expect countries in the region and beyond, plus the United Nations, to work toward peace and ensure that ISIS never re-emerges.”[10]

As of April 2018, there were about 2,000 U.S. service members in Syria working on advising and assisting local forces fighting ISIS.[9]

February 5, 2018: U.S. forces in Iraq announce change in strategy

On February 5, 2018, the U.S-led coalition in Iraq announced a change in its strategy in dealing with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Following successes in Mosul, the Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) said in a statement that the coalition was moving to “enabling operations to sustaining military gains against Daesh.” Brig. Gen. Jonathan Braga said U.S. operations would shift to focusing on border control, policing, diplomatic efforts, and economic stability.[11]

January 30, 2018: Trump signs executive order to keep Guantanamo Bay open

On January 30, 2018, President Donald Trump signed the Protecting America Through Lawful Detention of Terrorists executive order. The order directed the Pentagon to keep the detention facility at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) open, reversing an executive order issued in 2009 under President Barack Obama. The order required Secretary of Defense James Mattis to “recommend criteria to the President for determining disposition outcomes of individuals the United States captures in connection with armed conflict, including criteria for transfer to GTMO.”[12][13]

The detention center was opened under President George W. Bush after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Bush administration released 532, the Obama administration released 197, and nine died while in the facility. At the time of Trump’s executive order, 41 detainees remained, and the U.S. had not sent a new detainee to the facility since 2008.[14][15]

During his State of the Union Address on January 30, 2018, Trump said, "In the past, we have foolishly released hundreds of dangerous terrorists, only to meet them again on the battlefield — including the ISIS leader, al-Baghdadi. So today, I am keeping another promise. I just signed an order directing Secretary Mattis to reexamine our military detention policy and to keep open the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay. I am also asking the Congress to ensure that, in the fight against ISIS and al-Qa’ida, we continue to have all necessary power to detain terrorists — wherever we chase them down."[16]

January 19, 2018: Trump signs FISA into law

On January 19, 2018, President Donald Trump signed legislation that renewed the National Security Agency’s (NSA) warrantless surveillance program for six years into law. In a statement, he said, "Section 702 of Title VII allows the Intelligence Community, under a robust regime of oversight by all three branches of Government, to collect critical intelligence on international terrorists, weapons proliferators, and other important foreign intelligence targets located outside the United States. This intelligence is vital to keeping the Nation safe. As shown by the recent attacks in New York City and elsewhere around the globe, we face a constant threat from foreign terrorist networks and other foreign actors who would do us harm. In order to detect and prevent attacks before they happen, we must be able to intercept the communications of foreign targets who are reasonably believed to possess foreign intelligence information. Section 702 provides the necessary authority, and it has proven to be among the Nation’s most effective foreign intelligence tools. It has enabled our Intelligence Community to disrupt numerous plots against our citizens at home and our warfighters abroad, and it has unquestionably saved American lives. The Act I have signed today preserves and extends this critically important national security tool."[17]

January 18, 2018: Congress renews NSA’s surveillance program

On January 18, 2018, Congress sent a measure that renewed the National Security Agency’s (NSA) warrantless surveillance program for six years to Trump's desk for his signature. The legislation passed by a vote of 256-164 in the House on January 11, 2018. It passed the Senate by a vote of 65-34 on January 18, 2018.[18]

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act of 2008 authorizes the intelligence community to collect the communications, including text messages and emails, of non-U.S. citizens located outside of the United States without a warrant for intelligence purposes. Information can be collected without a warrant in the event that a non-U.S. citizen communicates with a U.S. citizen, which opponents of Section 702 said is a violation of Fourth Amendment protections. Supporters of 702, including the intelligence community, said it was an effective tool for identifying and stopping acts of terror.[19][20]

Before the vote in the Senate, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) asked senators to spend more time debating the legislation, saying, "The American people deserve better than the legislation before us. ...The American people deserve better than warrantless wiretapping... [We should] consider the gravity of the issues at hand and to oppose reauthorization until we can have a real opportunity for debate and reform."[21]

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said that the FISA program was "one of the most important tools" for national security officials. He asked his colleagues to vote for renewal, adding, "The men and women we trust to protect this country say this capability is essential to their missions. They tell us that is has saved American lives. That is why we cannot let this capability lapse. The world remains dangerous."[21]

Before the final vote in the House, the lower chamber rejected an amendment to the legislation that was introduced by Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) by a vote of 183-233. It proposed requiring federal law enforcement agencies to obtain warrants before being able to search the NSA's database of communications collected under the Section 702 programs.[22]

December 11, 2017: Trump calls for end to chain migration after terror attack

On December 11, 2017, Trump called for an end to immigration preferences for family members of legal U.S. residents, also known as chain migration, and enhanced immigration security after a botched terror attack was carried out by a Bangladeshi immigrant who was inspired by the Islamic State terrorist group.[23] Trump said,

“ First and foremost, as I have been saying since I first announced my candidacy for President, America must fix its lax immigration system, which allows far too many dangerous, inadequately vetted people to access our country. Today’s terror suspect entered our country through extended-family chain migration, which is incompatible with national security. My Executive action to restrict the entry of certain nationals from eight countries, which the Supreme Court recently allowed to take effect, is just one step forward in securing our immigration system. Congress must end chain migration. Congress must also act on my Administration’s other proposals to enhance domestic security, including increasing the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, enhancing the arrest and detention authorities for immigration officers, and ending fraud and abuse in our immigration system. The terrible harm that this flawed system inflicts on America’s security and economy has long been clear. I am determined to improve our immigration system to put our country and our people first. Second, those convicted of engaging in acts of terror deserve the strongest penalty allowed by law, including the death penalty in appropriate cases. America should always stand firm against terrorism and extremism, ensuring that our great institutions can address all evil acts of terror.[25] ”

Akayed Ullah, a 27-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant, set off a pipe bomb between the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Manhattan’s Times Square subway station. The explosive did not detonate properly, but it burned Ullah and injured three others.[23]

December 9, 2017: Iraqi prime minister declares victory over ISIS

On December 9, 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over ISIS. He said, “Honorable Iraqis, your land has been completely liberated. The liberation dream has become a reality. We achieved victory in difficult circumstances and with God’s help, the steadfastness of our people and the bravery of our heroic forces we prevailed. The flag of Iraq is flying high today over all Iraqi territory and at the farthest point on the border.” The announcement formally marked the end of more than three years of combat operations against ISIS.[26]

Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commander of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, congratulated the Iraqi government, adding, "Much work remains, and we will continue to work by, with and through our Iraqi partners to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh and prevent its ability to threaten civilization, regionally and globally." The Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve began working with Iraqi Security Forces and Syrian opposition groups to fight ISIS in October 2014.[27][28]

Brett McGurk, the special presidential envoy for the global coalition to defeat ISIS, also congratulated the people of Iraq on Twitter, writing, "PM Abadi announces that today, for the first time in four long years, #ISIS controls no significant territory in #Iraq. We congratulate the Prime Minister and all the Iraqi people on this significant achievement, which many thought impossible. We honor the sacrifices of the Iraqi people, its security forces, and the Kurdish Peshmerga, and admire the unity in their ranks that had made this day possible. That spirit must be renewed and continue as Iraq works to consolidate these historic gains over the coming year. Our @coalition will continue to stand with #Iraq to support its security forces, economy, and stabilization to help ensure that #ISIS can never again threaten Iraq’s people or use its territory as a haven. We mark today’s historic victory mindful of the work that remains."[29]

October 31, 2017: Trump calls for DHS to implement tougher vetting procedures after terrorist attack in NYC

On October 31, 2017, eight people were killed and 11 were injured when a terrorist drove his truck into a bike lane in Manhattan, New York City. According to a senior law enforcement officer, a note was found in the truck stating that the attack was done in the name of the Islamic State terrorist group.[30]

After the attack, Trump tweeted, “I have just ordered Homeland Security to step up our already Extreme Vetting Program. Being politically correct is fine, but not for this!”[31]

Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, a 29-year-old who moved from Uzbekistan to the United States in 2010, was the suspect in the attack. After crashing his truck into a school bus, witnesses reported the suspect left his truck, yelled "Allahu Akbar," and displayed imitation firearms. He was then shot by a police officer. The suspect was taken to the hospital and is out of surgery.[30]

Trump also wrote in a series of tweets, “In NYC, looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.! We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough! My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack. God and your country are with you!”[32][33][34]

October 17, 2017: U.S.-backed forces capture Raqqa, the Islamic State's last stronghold in the Middle East

On October 17, 2017, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S., said that they captured the Islamic State’s (IS) de facto capital of Raqqa. The SDF, who were backed by U.S. airstrikes and U.S. special forces on the ground, “said they had secured a sports stadium in the city the group had converted into a fortified compound for its final stand,” according to The Wall Street Journal.[35]

Talal Silo, a spokesman for the SDF, said, “The military operations within the city are completely over. We are combing through the city to make sure there are no sleeper cells and to defuse the mines.”[35]

Army Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition fighting IS, said that 90 percent of Raqqa was cleared.[35]

Trump released a statement praising the SDF and U.S. armed forces for driving ISIS out of Raqqa. Part of it appears below.

“ The defeat of ISIS in Raqqah represents a critical breakthrough in our worldwide campaign to defeat ISIS and its wicked ideology. With the liberation of ISIS’s capital and the vast majority of its territory, the end of the ISIS caliphate is in sight.

We will soon transition into a new phase in which we will support local security forces, de-escalate violence across Syria, and advance the conditions for lasting peace, so that the terrorists cannot return to threaten our collective security again. Together, with our allies and partners, we will support diplomatic negotiations that end the violence, allow refugees to return safely home, and yield a political transition that honors the will of the Syrian people.

One of my core campaign promises to the American people was to defeat ISIS and to counter the spread of hateful ideology. That is why, in the first days of my Administration, I issued orders to give our commanders and troops on the ground the full authorities to achieve this mission. As a result, ISIS strongholds in Mosul and Raqqah have fallen. We have made, alongside our coalition partners, more progress against these evil terrorists in the past several months than in the past several years.

I commend all of our coalition partners for the sacrifices they have made in this noble effort. Therefore, as we recognize this military accomplishment, we also pause to honor our service men and women and all they have given to protect us and all civilized people from these modern day barbarians.

Today, we reaffirm that ISIS leaders, and anyone who supports them, must and will face justice.[25]

”
—President Donald Trump[36]

September 19, 2017: In U.N. speech, Trump discusses Middle East coalition to stop terrorism

On September 19, 2017, in his first speech to the United Nations, Trump spoke about a Middle East coalition to stop terrorism and changing the military rules of engagement to combat terrorism in Afghanistan and Syria. His remarks appear below.

“ In Saudi Arabia early last year, I was greatly honored to address the leaders of more than 50 Arab and Muslim nations. We agreed that all responsible nations must work together to confront terrorists and the Islamist extremism that inspires them.

We will stop radical Islamic terrorism because we cannot allow it to tear up our nation, and indeed to tear up the entire world.

We must deny the terrorists safe haven, transit, funding, and any form of support for their vile and sinister ideology. We must drive them out of our nations. It is time to expose and hold responsible those countries who support and finance terror groups like al Qaeda, Hezbollah, the Taliban and others that slaughter innocent people.

The United States and our allies are working together throughout the Middle East to crush the loser terrorists and stop the reemergence of safe havens they use to launch attacks on all of our people.

Last month, I announced a new strategy for victory in the fight against this evil in Afghanistan. From now on, our security interests will dictate the length and scope of military operations, not arbitrary benchmarks and timetables set up by politicians.

I have also totally changed the rules of engagement in our fight against the Taliban and other terrorist groups. In Syria and Iraq, we have made big gains toward lasting defeat of ISIS. In fact, our country has achieved more against ISIS in the last eight months than it has in many, many years combined.[25]

”
—President Donald Trump[37]

July 10, 2017: American-backed ISF retake Mosul from ISIS

On July 10, 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) defeated ISIS to retake control of Mosul, Iraq, the largest city in either Iraq or Syria held by the terrorist group.[38]

Army Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve commander, congratulated al-Abadi and the ISF on their victory, saying, “The global coalition fighting ISIS congratulates Prime Minister al-Abadi and the Iraqi Security Forces on their historic victory against a brutal and evil enemy. Make no mistake; this victory alone does not eliminate ISIS and there is still a tough fight ahead. But the loss of one of its twin capitals and a jewel of their so-called caliphate is a decisive blow. ... Mosul would have been a challenging fight for any army, and the coalition is proud to stand side-by-side with our Iraqi partners as they celebrate their hard-fought victory -- a victory that has cost the lives of many brave Iraqis; soldiers, police and civilians.”[38]

In the days following the victory, ISF's goal was to remove the few remaining ISIS terrorists from the city and dismantle explosive devices. The nearly nine-month battle for Mosul killed thousands of civilians and displaced more than 920,000 others. The focus of the fight to complete the destruction of ISIS' self-described caliphate continued in Raqqa, Syria, the group's de facto capital. On June 3, 2017, U.S. backed forces breached a strategic wall in Raqqa in the fight to retake the city from ISIS.[39]

July 3, 2017: American-backed forces breach wall in effort to take back Raqqa from ISIS

On July 3, 2017, American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces breached a strategic wall surrounding the Old City of Raqqa, Syria, in the fight to retake the city from ISIS. Brett McGurk‏, special presidential envoy for the global coalition to defeat ISIS, called it a “key milestone in [the] campaign to liberate the city.” Raqqa had served as the capital of ISIS’ self-declared caliphate in Syria.[40][41]

June 18, 2017: F/A-18E Super Hornet shoots down Syrian SU-22 jet

On June 18, 2017, a U.S. F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft shot down a Syrian SU-22 military jet aircraft after the Syrian jet dropped bombs near the American-backed Syrian Democratic Forces fighters south of Tabqah, Syria. The SU-22 was shot down “in accordance with rules of engagement and in collective self-defense of coalition partnered forces...The coalition presence in Syria addresses the imminent threat ISIS in Syria poses globally. The demonstrated hostile intent and actions of pro-regime forces toward coalition and partner forces in Syria conducting legitimate counter-ISIS operations will not be tolerated,” according to a statement from the Department of Defense.[42]

It was the first time in Syria’s civil war that a U.S. pilot shot down a plane from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Additionally, it “is believed to be the first time a manned American jet has shot down another once since 1999, when an American pilot shot down a Serbian jet over Bosnia,” according to The Wall Street Journal.[43]

Syrian state media responded by calling the U.S. attack a “flagrant aggression" and said that the Syrian pilot was carrying out a mission against IS.[43]

June 6, 2017: U.S. troops enter fight to help SDF retake Raqqa from ISIS

On June 6, 2017, members of the U.S. military entered a campaign to help Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recapture the city of Raqqa from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Department of Defense spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said, “We have there assisting in this battle Marine M777 Howitzers, which are providing a significant enabling capability to our Special Operations Forces and partners on the ground. The Marines are providing the artillery support, supplement close air support ... and they provide a mobile line called all weather fire support capability.”[44]

Lt. Gen. Steve Townsend, commanding general of the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, said the battle “will be long and difficult but would deliver a decisive blow to the idea of ISIS as a physical caliphate. … We all saw the heinous attack in Manchester, England. ISIS threatens all of our nations, not just Iraq and Syria, but in our own homelands as well. This cannot stand.”[44]

May 25, 2017: Trump calls for investigation after U.S. intelligence agencies leak information about Manchester terror attack

Information the British shared with U.S. intelligence officials shortly after the May 22, 2017, terror attack in Manchester, England, was leaked to The New York Times and other media outlets. British officials, including Prime Minister Theresa May and Manchester law enforcement, were upset with the leaks, prompting Trump to call for an investigation into how the sensitive information was given to the U.S. media.[45]

According to The Wall Street Journal, “A focus of U.K. outrage over leaks was the publication by the New York Times on Wednesday of official police photographs taken at the entrance hall of Manchester Arena where Monday’s blast occurred. The photos showed shrapnel and what the newspaper said were the remnants of a backpack, a switch and a battery that may have been used in the bombing.” The photos were taken after a suicide bomber murdered 22 people and injured more than 100 after an Ariana Grande concert. Manchester police temporarily stopped sharing information with the U.S. because of the leaks. They said that the information was upsetting to the families of victims of the attack and could harm the investigation.[45]

The leaking of classified and sensitive information had been an ongoing problem for the Trump administration. On May 25, 2017, after Trump called for an investigation, he threatened to prosecute those responsible for the leaks.[45]

May 21, 2017: Trump delivers speech urging leaders of Muslim nations to join with the U.S. to fight extremism

On May 21, 2017, during a meeting with 55 leaders of Muslim-majority nations inside King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, Trump delivered a speech that focused on promoting peace by building partnerships to end extremism and terrorism. Trump said, "Our goal is a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future that does honor to God." He reiterated the point, saying, "[A]bove all we must be united in pursuing the one goal that transcends every other consideration. That goal is to meet history’s great test—to conquer extremism and vanquish the forces of terrorism."[46][1]

During his speech, Trump outlined the following steps in the joint effort to end terrorism:

  • Deny sanctuary for terrorists;
  • Prevent the financing of terrorism;
  • Confront "the crisis of Islamist extremism and the Islamist terror groups it inspires;"
  • Stand "together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians;"
  • Promote "the aspirations and dreams of all citizens who seek a better life – including women, children, and followers of all faiths;" and
  • Practice "tolerance and respect for each other once again."[1]

Highlights from Trump's speech appear below:

  • Trump on the United States' role in securing peace in the Middle East:
“ America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are not here to lecture—we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership – based on shared interests and values – to pursue a better future for us all.[25] ”
—President Donald Trump[1]
  • Trump on the untapped potential in the Middle East:
“ The Middle East is rich with natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and massive amounts of historic treasures. It should increasingly become one of the great global centers of commerce and opportunity. This region should not be a place from which refugees flee, but to which newcomers flock. ... The entire region is at the center of the key shipping lanes of the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Straits of Hormuz. The potential of this region has never been greater. 65 percent of its population is under the age of 30. Like all young men and women, they seek great futures to build, great national projects to join, and a place for their families to call home. But this untapped potential, this tremendous cause for optimism, is held at bay by bloodshed and terror.[25] ”
—President Donald Trump[1]
  • Trump on fighting terrorism: a battle between good and evil:
“ Every time a terrorist murders an innocent person, and falsely invokes the name of God, it should be an insult to every person of faith. Terrorists do not worship God, they worship death. If we do not act against this organized terror, then we know what will happen. Terrorism’s devastation of life will continue to spread. Peaceful societies will become engulfed by violence. And the futures of many generations will be sadly squandered. If we do not stand in uniform condemnation of this killing—then not only will we be judged by our people, not only will we be judged by history, but we will be judged by God. This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects, or different civilizations. This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it. This is a battle between Good and Evil.[25] ”
—President Donald Trump[1]
  • Trump on driving terrorists and extremists out of the Middle East:
“ But the nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this enemy for them. The nations of the Middle East will have to decide what kind of future they want for themselves, for their countries, and for their children.

It is a choice between two futures – and it is a choice America CANNOT make for you. A better future is only possible if your nations drive out the terrorists and extremists. Drive. Them. Out. DRIVE THEM OUT of your places of worship. DRIVE THEM OUT of your communities. DRIVE THEM OUT of your holy land, and DRIVE THEM OUT OF THIS EARTH.[25]

”
—President Donald Trump[1]

On uniting to prevent Iran from creating chaos and instability in the region:

“ Until the Iranian regime is willing to be a partner for peace, all nations of conscience must work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve.[25] ”
—President Donald Trump[1]

April 13, 2017: U.S. drops largest non-nuclear bomb on IS in Afghanistan

The First 100 Days

In the first 100 days of the Trump administration, Trump took the actions to fight the Islamic State:

  • Trump issues a presidential memorandum stating that "It is the policy of the United States that ISIS be defeated." The memorandum also included his plan to defeat IS.
  • A GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), also known as the "mother of all bombs," was used to destroy tunnels and caves used by the branch of the Islamic State in Afghanistan and Pakistan, also known as ISIS-Khorasan or ISIS-K.

On April 13, 2017, an MC-130 aircraft stationed in Afghanistan dropped a GBU-43 bomb—the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used—on the Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. The GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast Bomb (MOAB), also known as the "mother of all bombs," was used to destroy tunnels and caves used by the branch of the Islamic State in Afghanistan and Pakistan, also known as ISIS-Khorasan or ISIS-K.[47][48]

Gen. John W. Nicholson, the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said in a statement, "As ISIS-K's losses have mounted, they are using IEDs, bunkers and tunnels to thicken their defense. This is the right munition to reduce these obstacles and maintain the momentum of our offensive against ISIS-K."[47][48]

When asked if he authorized the strike, Trump said, “We have the greatest military in the world, and they’ve done a job as usual so we have given them total authorization. And that’s what they’re doing. And, frankly, that’s why they’ve been so successful lately.”[49]

An Air Force spokeswoman told The Hill that the MOAB is “primarily intended for soft to medium service targets covering extended areas, targets containing environments such as caves or canyons, clearing extensive minefields, and for psychological effects.”[49]

On April 15, 2017, Attaullah Khogiani, Nangarhar provincial spokesman, said, "The number of Daesh fighters killed in the US bomb in Achin district jumped to 94, including four commanders." Three underground tunnels and weapons and ammunition were also destroyed. There were no civilian casualties or injuries.[50]

January 28, 2017: Trump issues plan to defeat the Islamic State

On January 28, 2017, Trump issued his plan to defeat the self-described Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, also known as ISIS and ISIL. He wrote, "ISIS has engaged in a systematic campaign of persecution and extermination in those territories it enters or controls. If ISIS is left in power, the threat that it poses will only grow. We know it has attempted to develop chemical weapons capability. It continues to radicalize our own citizens, and its attacks against our allies and partners continue to mount. The United States must take decisive action to defeat ISIS." Trump outlined the following in his plan:[51]

  • Policy: "It is the policy of the United States that ISIS be defeated."
  • Policy Coordination: "Policy coordination, guidance, dispute resolution, and periodic in-progress reviews for the functions and programs described and assigned in this memorandum shall be provided through the interagency process established in National Security Presidential Memorandum – 2 of January 28, 2017 (Organization of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council), or any successor."
  • "Development of a new plan to defeat ISIS (the Plan) shall commence immediately."
  • "Within 30 days, a preliminary draft of the Plan to defeat ISIS shall be submitted to the President by the Secretary of Defense."
  • "The Plan shall include":
  • "a comprehensive strategy and plans for the defeat of ISIS;"
  • "recommended changes to any United States rules of engagement and other United States policy restrictions that exceed the requirements of international law regarding the use of force against ISIS;"
  • "public diplomacy, information operations, and cyber strategies to isolate and delegitimize ISIS and its radical Islamist ideology;"
  • "identification of new coalition partners in the fight against ISIS and policies to empower coalition partners to fight ISIS and its affiliates;"
  • "mechanisms to cut off or seize ISIS's financial support, including financial transfers, money laundering, oil revenue, human trafficking, sales of looted art and historical artifacts, and other revenue sources; and"
  • "a detailed strategy to robustly fund the Plan."

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Facebook, "Donald Trump," May 21, 2017
  2. ↑ The Guardian, "Isis insurgents seize control of Iraqi city of Mosul," June 10, 2014
  3. ↑ The New York Times, "Obama Allows Limited Airstrikes on ISIS," August 7, 2014
  4. ↑ CNN, "ISIS Fast Facts," April 17, 2017
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 The Hill, "Top military, State Department officials: Mission in Syria isn't over," April 3, 2018
  6. ↑ State.gov, "Launching of Operations To Liberate Final ISIS Strongholds in Syria," May 1, 2018
  7. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Tells Military Commanders to Finish ISIS Fight in Syria Quickly," April 4, 2018
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 The Hill, "Trump signals he wants US troops out of Syria," April 3, 2018
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Vows Quick Exit From Syria," April 3, 2018
  10. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement by the Press Secretary on Syria," April 4, 2018
  11. ↑ The Hill, "Anti-ISIS coalition announces 'shift' in Iraq amid reports of US drawdown," February 5, 2018
  12. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Executive Order on Protecting America Through Lawful Detention of Terrorists," January 30, 2018
  13. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "President Donald J. Trump Protects America Through Lawful Detention of Terrorists," January 30, 2018
  14. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Signs Executive Order to Keep Guantanamo Bay Open," January 30, 2018
  15. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump’s Guantanamo Move Keeps Prison and 41 Detainees in Limbo," February 1, 2018
  16. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union Address," January 30, 2018
  17. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement by the President on FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017," January 19, 2018
  18. ↑ Senate.gov, "On the Motion (Motion to Concur in the House Amendment to S. 139)," January 18, 2018
  19. ↑ Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 16," January 11, 2018
  20. ↑ The Hill, "House votes to renew NSA spying, rejects reform push," January 11, 2018
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 The Hill, "Senate votes to extend NSA spying program," January 18, 2018
  22. ↑ 'Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 14," January 11, 2018
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 The Wall Street Journal, "Botched Suicide Bombing Jolts New York Rush Hour, Injures Four," December 12, 2017
  24. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement from President Donald J. Trump Regarding Today's Attack in New York City," December 11, 2017
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6 25.7 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  26. ↑ Associated Press, "PM announces on state TV Iraq’s war against IS has ended," December 9, 2017
  27. ↑ InherentResolve.mil, "Coalition congratulates Iraqis," December 10, 2017
  28. ↑ InherentResolve.mil, "Combined Joint Task Force," accessed December 15, 2017
  29. ↑ Twitter, "Brett McGurk," December 9, 2017
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 CNN, "Note found in truck claims Manhattan attack done for ISIS, source says," November 1, 2017
  31. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," October 31, 2017
  32. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," October 31, 2017
  33. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," October 31, 2017
  34. ↑ Twitter, "Donald J. Trump," October 31, 2017
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 The Wall Street Journal, "U.S.-Backed Forces Say They Have Taken Raqqa, Islamic State’s Last Urban Stronghold," October 17, 2017
  36. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Statement by President Donald J. Trump on the Defeat of ISIS in Raqqah," October 21, 2017
  37. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Remarks by President Trump to the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly," September 19, 2017
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Defense.gov, "Iraqi Forces Liberate Mosul From ISIS," July 10, 2017
  39. ↑ BBC, "Mosul: Clashes continue as troops target IS 'holdouts,'" July 11, 2017
  40. ↑ Twitter, "Brett McGurk," July 3, 2017
  41. ↑ Defense.gov, "OIR Officials: Syrian Democratic Forces Breach Raqqa Old City," July 4, 2017
  42. ↑ Defense.gov, "Counter-ISIS Strikes Continue; U.S. Super Hornet Downs Syrian Jet," June 19, 2017
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 The Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Says It Shot Down Syrian Aircraft," June 18, 2017
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 The Hill, "Pentagon: 'Hundreds' of US troops in fight for Raqqa," June 6, 2017
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Calls for Probe After British Complaints of Manchester Investigation Leaks," May 25, 2017
  46. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Trump Urges Muslims to Fight Extremism in Saudi Speech," May 21, 2017
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 NBC News, "U.S. Drops ‘Mother of All Bombs’ on ISIS Target in Afghanistan," accessed April 13, 2017
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 ABC News, "US drops 'mother of all bombs' on ISIS forces in Afghanistan," accessed April 13, 2017
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 The Hill, "Why the US dropped the ‘Mother of All Bombs’ in Afghanistan," accessed April 13, 2017
  50. ↑ CNN, "'Mother of all bombs' killed 94 ISIS fighters, Afghan official says," April 15, 2017
  51. ↑ WhiteHouse.gov, "Presidential Memorandum Plan to Defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria," accessed February 6, 2017
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