WASHINGTON (AA)
White House Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said Friday that the U.S. would not be restricted by geographical borders when the lives of Americans are at steak.
Concerns were raised earlier this week about American nationals held captive by the extremist group Islamic State after the release of a video showing the beheading of American journalist James Foley.
Since confirming the authenticity of the video, U.S. officials have expressed the possibility of expanding the scope of military operations to include strikes inside Syrian territory.
"We’re not going to be restricted by borders. We’ve shown time and again that if there’s a counterterrorism threat, we’ll take direct action against that threat if necessary," Rhodes said in a press briefing.
Saying that the country would take all steps to protect Americans, Rhodes said he considered Foley’s death a terrorist attack against the U.S.
"If you come after Americans, we’re going to come after you wherever you are, and that’s what’s going to guide our planning in the days to come," he said, hinting at possible U.S. operations on IS targets within Syria.
Rhodes noted that a long-term U.S. strategy would involve Kurds, Iraqis and Syrians in order to squeeze IS in the region.
"So this is going to have to be a team effort, but we have very unique capabilities that we can bring to bear and supporting those on the ground who are working to fight against ISIL on the front lines," he said.
IS was formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.
The group has released videos and messages threatening the lives of Americans because of recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.
Rhodes also noted that a failed rescue operation of U.S hostages in Syria earlier this summer was entirely legal but going forward, the White House would consult Congress for any additional actions.
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