WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08) today released the following statement on the September 1st attack on the residents of Camp Ashraf that claimed the lives of 52 unarmed civilians and resulted in many more wounded, as well as the abduction of several hostages.

“In the strongest terms possible, I condemn the cowardly attack on Camp Ashraf, which has sheltered, along with Camp Liberty, the Iranian dissident group, the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK). I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the September 1st attack.

“I urge the international community to work closely on ensuring medical aid and assistance to the wounded, while working toward the safe release and return of the several hostages abducted in the raid.

“The world can no longer stand idle knowing the unthinkable and unspeakable acts that have occurred under the authority of the Iraqi government, as this attack marks yet another among several terrorist attacks on both Camps Ashraf and Liberty.

“I call on the United States State Department and the United Nations with its mission (UN Iraqi Assistance Mission to Iraq [UNAMI]) to provide the necessary security measures along with the permanent presence of UN Blue Helmets to guarantee the safety that is so critically needed.”

Congressman Franks is serving his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is a member of the Judiciary Committee, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and a member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. He is also a member of the Armed Services Committee, where he serves on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats, and Capabilities.