Barack Obama has pledged to keep building an international coalition to defeat Islamic State militants, saying that "this is not America’s fight alone". The US President spoke hours after the US and five Arab nations launched airstrikes against the group in Syria.
"America is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these nations on behalf of our common security," Mr Obama said at the White House. "The strength of this coalition makes it clear to the world that this is not America's fight alone." He said defeating IS would take time and effort but added: "We're going to do what's necessary to take the fight to this terrorist group."
After the brief statement, the President left for the UN General Assembly in New York, where he will seek to broaden consensus for the US-led effort. The American-led air campaign used land- and sea-based US aircraft as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from two Navy ships in the Red Sea and the northern Persian Gulf.
At least 70 IS fighters are said to have been killed in dozens of attacks, which also targeted al Qaeda veterans. The US has targeted IS facilities in Iraq but this is the first time the campaign has expanded into Syria, a country marred by three years of civil war.
INC News, 23/09/2014
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