AUSTIN, Texas — The former Navy admiral who directed the raid that killed Osama bin Laden says the U.S. and allies should prioritize fighting Islamic extremists.

William McRaven is now chancellor of the University of Texas System. Speaking at a national security conference in Austin on Friday, McRaven says the American people shouldn't be surprised when "the barbarians are at our gate" if Islamic State militants are not defeated now.

It was some of the strongest language McRaven has used on national security since leaving the military for academia.

The Austin American-Statesman reports that McRaven's comments drew some opposition.

One audience member asked McRaven whether he should be publicly supporting military action as the leader of a public university system. McRaven responded that he had a right to free speech.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Share:
In Other News
Load More