Statement from National Security Spokesperson Ned Price
The
President today delegated authority to the Secretary of State to direct
the drawdown of up to $45 million in defense articles and services, as
well as military education and training, to support Benin, Cameroon,
Chad, Niger, and Nigeria's efforts to defeat Boko Haram. This will
enable the Secretary to authorize the provision of critical airlift
support and other assistance, including to help the
Lake Chad Basin countries move troops and equipment to the border
region from which Boko Haram terrorists continue to launch brutal
attacks on civilians. This assistance builds on training, equipment,
and logistical support that the United States is providing
using other authorities. The United States also continues to provide
advisors and share information with our regional partners to enhance
counter-Boko Haram operations, as well as victim support and
counter-violent extremism programming.
Since
2009, Boko Haram has killed more than 10,000 people, devastated
communities, and left deep scars in the lives of those affected by its
violence.
Boko Haram's indiscriminate violence has created more than 2 million
internally displaced persons and over 200,000 refugees throughout the
Lake Chad Basin region. Defeating Boko Haram will require a holistic
campaign that protects human rights, pairs progress
on development and governance with security measures, and fills in
behind military successes with civilian stabilization efforts. The
United States stands with our partners in the region who are fighting to
end Boko Haram's campaign of terror that threatens
to rob an entire generation of the benefits of unfettered access to
education, health care, and economic development.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
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