FT. HOOD, Texas–Though the leader has been taken out, ISIS has not been defeated. Vice Pres. Mike Pence, in a speech at Ft. Hood, Texas, acknowledged that the U.S. and its allies have more work to do to defeat the terrorist organization.

“The United States of America will never relent in our commitment to the enduring and total defeat of ISIS and any terrorist organization that threatens our country,” said Pence. “I know I don’t have to tell any of you that the fight against terrorism goes on. III Corps (based at Ft. Hood) is playing a leading role in our 76-nation coalition to defeat ISIS.”

But, Pence said the ISIS caliphate’s territory was defeated. He said U.S. and allied forces “claimed the last inch of territory under the black flag of ISIS”.

Some members of Congress, including Indiana’s Andre Carson (D-Indianapolis), believe that Pres. Trump’s decision to pull troops from Syria, has made it easier for ISIS to continue to operate, despite the death of Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi.

“Our fight against ISIS is far from over, particularly in the wake of the President’s decision to remove troops from northern Syria, which could lead to a revival of the terrorist group’s power in the region,” said Carson.

Pence said Tuesday that the United States is “standing with our allied and we’re standing up to our enemies”, despite the decision to pull out of Syria, a move seen as a mistake by Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

“Our NATO allies are now contributing more to our common defense than ever before, whether it’s the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, the Taliban or Al Qaeda.”

Pence promised the fight will remain on “our terms on their soil”.