(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Washington September 11 (QNA) - US President Barack Obama announced Thursday the formation of a broad international coalition that will lead the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist organization. Obama said the coalition's goal will be to "degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL (Islamic State)." Obama said that the US will lead a broad international coalition that will execute a four-point plan to end the threat of ISIS. The plan will take part in both Iraq as well as Syria. It consists of firstly continuing with the airstrikes against ISIS strongholds. Secondly increase support to groups fighting ISIS in both Iraq as well as Syria. Thirdly Cut off the terrorist group's funding and stem the outflow of foreign fighters into Syria and Iraq. Finally providing humanitarian aid to people who were affected by ISIS' crimes. The US President was keen to highlight that his administration will not cooperate with Al-Assad in the fight against ISIS. He said that Al Assad's regime "will never regain the legitimacy it has lost." However the coalition will look to cooperate with Syrian opposition to fight ISIS by providing them with military assistance. Obama noted that the measure will take effect when Congress gives the executive power more authorities and resources to "train and equip these (Syrian opposition) fighters" Obama was also keen that "this is not our (America's) fight alone." He stressed that the US can help make a difference but it will only be the people of Iraq Syria and the US' Arab partners who can ultimately secure the region. On the other hand he maintained that ISIS was not a threat to the Middle-East alone. Highlighting the fact that the group has directly threatened the US. In addition to the thousands of European and American fighters who joined the terrorist organization and might want to return to their home countries where they can carry out terrorist attacks. The US President provided some detail on the four-part plan. On the airstrikes he said that the US' objective will now extend beyond protecting Americans and humanitarian missions based in Iraq. He revealed that the US airstrike will now also act as cover for the Iraqi military to gain back key territories on the ground. On providing assistance to groups fighting ISIS Obama announced that the US will send 475 service members to Iraq. He stressed however that "these American forces will not have a combat mission...But they are needed to support Iraqi and Kurdish forces with training intelligence and equipment." On the third part of his plan which is cutting off funding for ISIS Obama said that he will chair a UN Security meeting in two weeks and will look to mobilize the international community then towards achieving that goal. US' allies have also been exchanging intelligence towards that goal as well. Finally on humanitarian assistance; Obama revealed that work has already began by the US and their partners in providing billions of dollars in aid of people affected by the fight. He stressed that the international community "cannot allow these communities to be driven from their ancient homelands." (QNA)
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