Retired general: US enemies likely have anti-aircraft missiles

A retired military general previously engaged in training Iraqi forces said it’s likely American enemies in the Middle East have anti-aircraft missiles.

{mosads}“I would expect that surface-to-air missiles are in the hands of people who would want to bring down U.S. aircraft,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Eaton on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.

“So, that is a risk. But our Air Force understands risk management, our Air Force is brilliant at conducting what we’re asking them to do so I have great fair in our Air Force, their ability to prosecute this.”

President Obama announced last week plans to launch airstrikes as part of his strategy to confront the growing threat from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Polling has shown most Americans support military action, and congressional leaders have offered cautious support for the president’s proposal. Critics have questioned whether the effort will be worthwhile if it means putting American lives at jeopardy for an unclear goal.