Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Progress in the Fight for Ramadi
Dec. 28, 2015

I want to congratulate Prime Minister Abadi and the government of Iraq on their progress in retaking Ramadi today. ‎The expulsion of ISIL by Iraqi security forces, supported by our international coalition, is a significant step forward in the campaign to defeat this barbaric group and restore Iraq’s territorial sovereignty.‎

The fight for Ramadi demonstrates how capable, motivated local forces backed by coalition air support and training can defeat ISIL. ‎Now it’s important for the Iraqi government, working with provincial and local authorities, to seize this opportunity to maintain the peace in Ramadi, prevent the return of ISIL and other extremists, and facilitate the return of Ramadi’s citizens back to the city.

Even with this success, the fight against ISIL is far from over. The United States military stands ready to support our Iraqi partners and the rest of the international coalition as we build on today’s progress and continue to strike ISIL on multiple fronts until we achieve their inevitable defeat.