President Barack Obama says the United States would not hesitate to attack Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and would allow “no safe haven” to the militant group.
“I can announce that America will lead a broad coalition to roll back this terrorist threat,” he said.
The jihadist group controls large parts of Syria and Iraq after a rapid military advance, and now runs a de facto government from the Syrian city of Raqqa, employing officials and administrators, the BBC reports.
Its fighters have become notorious for their brutality, beheading enemy soldiers and Western journalists on video.
In a televised address from the White House, Mr Obama said the United States will be joined by a “broad coalition”, including allies already flying planes over Iraq, sending weapons to the Iraqi security forces and the Syrian opposition, and providing intelligence and humanitarian aid.
