U.S. envoy: Coalition airstrikes have blunted ISIS momentum in Iraq

In this Nov. 17, 2014 file photo, smoke rises from the Syrian city of Kobani, following an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition, seen from a hilltop outside Suruc, on the Turkey-Syria border. (AP)

Blog Defense Forces - The U.S. envoy for the international coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants says thousands of airstrikes have blunted the militants' tactical momentum in Iraq.

Retired Marine Gen. John Allen told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday that while ISIS remains a substantial foe, more than 2,500 airstrikes by the U.S. and coalition forces have degraded its leadership, hampered its logistical capabilities and deprived it of sanctuary in Iraq.

He told the committee members the militants have lost half their leadership based in Iraq and are no longer able to assemble, move and communicate as an effective force.

Allan said, "Any aura of the invincibility of ISIL has been shattered."

[Source link: Alarabiya]