Washington (AFP) – President Barack Obama said Monday that the United States has embarked on a long-term mission to defeat the insurgents of the so-called “Islamic State” fighting in Iraq.

“We will continue to pursue a long-term strategy to turn the tide against ISIL by supporting the new Iraqi government and working with key partners in the region,” Obama said, using another acronym by which the group is known.

AFP Photo/Ahmad Al-Rubaye