Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Reporting that Russia put bounties on the heads of American troops deployed in Afghanistan shook the political world in recent weeks.
In an article this week, NBC News reported that American intelligence agencies believe Russia supported groups who fought U.S. troops in Afghanistan for years, but the scope of the effort is “less than conclusive.”Fox News additionally reported this month, citing a military source, that a large amount of cash found at a Taliban outpost was revealed to be linked to Russia.
Advertisements
Reporting from multiple news outlets from ABC News to BuzzFeed confirmed that top government officials have known about the allegation and spies and special forces in the field had been warned, but the White House and Trump have denied most knowledge of the bounties.
“We should always remember, the Russians are not our friends,” said Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, according to NBC News. “And they are not our friends in Afghanistan. And they do not wish us well.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Middletown Township, serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and on the subcommittee focused on terrorism and the Middle East.
Advertisements
“The Congressman has not been briefed by the White House or Intelligence Community officials regarding reporting of Russia placing bounties on American troops in Afghanistan. If the reports are true, Russia must be held accountable. All threats to our armed forces must be taken seriously. The Congressman has requested a full classified briefing,” a spokesman for Fitzpatrick’s office said this week.
Trump, who is often criticized for being too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, tweeted that the stories were a “made up by Fake News tale that is told only to damage me and the Republican party.”
Advertisements
Russian officials have called the allegations, which were first published by the New York Times late last month and then further reported by other news outlets, “nonsense” and said the information was being used to hurt President Donald Trump’s reelection chances, according to NPR.
Following a 2017 visit to the Middle East, Fitzpatrick shared his experience with LevittownNow.com.
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
Advertisements
