(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama on Tuesday pledged continued support for Iraqi forces and will pursue a long-term strategy to deal with Islamic State (IS) insurgents.

US President Barack Obama pledges to continue supporting Iraqi forces in the fight against IS insurgents. (Photo: AP)

He told reporters in Washington following a meeting with his top security advisers that a US military campaign in the past 11 days has protected US citizens and facilities in Iraq. He noted that air strikes stopped the IS insurgents’ advance on the Kurdish city of Arbil in northern Iraq. Obama called for further provision of weapons and needed equipment to Iraqi troops – Kurdish forces and Iraqi security forces. Obama also confirmed that Kurdish forces have re-taken control of the Mosul Dam.
Obama said the US has national security interests in the campaign against IS insurgents. He called on Iraqi politicians to unite, not weaken, Iraq; pledged his support to Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi, and urged him to promptly establish a new government.