Obama: US Intensifying Anti-ISIL Efforts in Syria... Fight Long
Local Editor
US President Barack Obama said Monday the US-led coalition battling "ISIL" terrorists was "intensifying" its campaign against the group's base in Syria, but cautioned the fight would be long.
Obama addressed the media after a briefing at the Pentagon with top military brass and members of his national security team on efforts to dismantle the extremist group, which has taken over large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.
"We're intensifying our efforts against "ISIL's" base in Syria. Our air strikes will continue to target the oil and gas facilities that fund so much of their operations," Obama told reporters.
He further stated: "We're going after the "ISIL" leadership and infrastructure in Syria, the heart of "ISIL" that pumps funds and propaganda to people around the world."
But Obama cautioned the fight would likely face "setbacks."
"This will not be quick. This is a long-term campaign," he said, calling "ISIL" militants "opportunistic" and "nimble."
"In many places in Syria and Iraq, it's dug in among an innocent civilian population. It will take time to root them out. As with any military effort, there will be periods of progress, but there are also going to be some setbacks."
He said more than 5,000 air strikes had been carried out against the group, eliminating "thousands of fighters, including senior "ISIL" commanders."
Obama said more needed to be done to train government forces and tribal fighters in Iraq.
The announcement of the coalition air strikes on Raqa came after "ISIL" released a video showing teenage members executing 25 Syrian soldiers in an amphitheater in the ancient ruins of Palmyra.
Earlier, US War Secretary Ashton Carter said the weekend strikes were not aimed at particular "ISIL" figures, but were part of an effort to help Kurdish forces and "limit "ISIL" freedom of movement."
Obama said: "Over the past year, we've seen when we have an effective partner on the ground, "ISIL" can be pushed back."
The average daily price tag is $9.2 million and the campaign had cost $2.91 billion as of June 18, according to the War Department.
Carter was due to testify in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday to discuss the campaign, which has come under renewed criticism from US lawmakers.
"ISIL's strategic weaknesses are real," Obama said, noting it has no air force and no support from any nation.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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