WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama addressed the nation Wednesday night saying America would combat the ISIL terrorist group with airstrikes and assistance from world allies.
During the primetime speech, Mr. Obama said he would send an additional 475 troops into Iraq to assist current operations there, but pledged it would not become a ground combat.
The president began ordering airstrikes in the Middle East last month which the military has now conducted over 150.
President Obama told the nationwide audience, “So tonight, with a new Iraqi government in place, and following consultations abroad and congress at home,” President Obama said. “I can announce America will lead a broad coalition to rollback this terrorist threat.”
“Our objective is clear. We will degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy,” the president noted, saying it would be similar to the airstrikes the U.S. has conducted before in Yemen and Somalia.
“Moreover, I have made it clear. We will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country wherever they are. That means I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well as Iraq.”
“If you threaten America, you will find no safe haven.”
Mr. Obama addressed the nation just three hours before the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
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Video courtesy of PBS NewsHour
