Obama Underscores 'Great Sense of Urgency' in IS Fight

by Mary Alice Salinas December 14, 2015

U.S. President Barack Obama says the U.S.-led coalition is moving 'with a great sense of urgency' targeting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, surgically and with precision to take out the group.

Speaking after talks with top officials at the Pentagon, Obama said coalition aircraft have been increasing the pace of airstrikes targeting IS, hitting the group 'harder than ever.'

'The United States and our armed forces continue to lead the global coalition in our mission to destroy the terrorist group ISIL,' he said. 'In November, we dropped more bombs on ISIL targets than in any other month since this campaign started.'

He said the coalition is taking out IS leaders, commanders and 'killers, one by one.'

;Obama also said the Department of Homeland Security 'is updating its alert system to help the American people stay vigilant and safe.'

Obama was briefed at the Pentagon by his national security team. Those in attendance included Vice President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Last week, Carter provided the Senate Armed Services Committee with an overview of U.S. efforts to "accelerate the campaign" against Islamic State, including dispatching special operations units and mounting airstrikes on oil tankers that help finance the group. He said the fight against the group could use more help from other countries around the world.