Kurds have been essential in overcoming ISIS, says U.S. congressman

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Democrat U.S. Congressman Rep. Jim Himes, a ranking member of the Intelligence Committee, told Kurdistan 24’s Rahim Rashidi that the U.S. and Kurds are allies in the fight against terrorism.

“As a member of the Intelligence Committee, I know very, very specifically, how very closely we work with Kurds throughout the region, of course in Iraq, but also in Syria,” he told Kurdistan 24.

He said that the Kurds played an essential role in the fight against ISIS, but he added that they won’t use the words ‘defeated ISIS.’

“The truth is we haven't fully defeated ISIS, but compared to where they were four or five years ago, where they own vast swathes of territory, they are now a small remnant of what they used to be and that's a real tribute to the courage and alliance of the Kurds,” he added.

Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives. 

He serves as Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and on the House Financial Services Committee. 

Read More: We want to provide more security to Kurdistan: US Congressman

Earlier this month, U.S. Congressman Don Bacon, who served in the U.S. military, told Kurdistan 24’s Rahim Rashidi that the Kurds are the best allies of the U.S.

“When I served in Iraq, the Kurds were our best allies; they worked with us everywhere we went,” he said.

“So we've always had great strong ties with our Kurds, friends, and I'm a big advocate for helping with air defenses in northern Iraq, to protect Kurds from Iranian missiles and drones, they've been firing over there, we want to help provide more security and prosperity in Kurdistan.”