US Launches Bombing Campaign against ISIS in Syria

Charlene Aaron : Sep 23, 2014
CBN News

"This is a global problem. It requires a global response, and it's going to take a generation, not one president or one prime minister to defeat it." -Tony Blair

[CBN News:] The United States and five Arab allies have begun bombing the Islamic State terrorist group in eastern Syria, carrying out 14 strikes against ISIS targets. (Photo via CBN News)

The Pentagon confirmed the attack late Monday, which included the use of fighter jets, bombers and missiles.

The attacks are being launched as the threat of the jihadist army grows around the world.

The White House warns the Islamic group is also a threat to America's homeland, saying some ISIS members who fought in Syria and Iraq have already returned to the U.S.

U.S officials plan to crack down on Westerners who want to join ISIS. It is believed that at least 100 Americans have gone to the Middle East to join the terrorist group.

"We are working very closely with our international partners to try and mitigate this threat to keep eyes on these individuals and to monitor their movements," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.

In a newly released tape, the chief spokesman for the Islamic State called on Muslims around on the world to attack civilians in the countries waging war against ISIS.

"If you can kill a disbelieving American or European—especially the spiteful and filthy French or an Australian or a Canadian—then rely upon Allah and kill him in any manner or way however it may be," the ISIS spokesman says in the tape. (Photo via CBN News)

World leaders like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair say it will take an international effort to defeat the terror group.

"This is a global problem. It requires a global response, and it's going to take a generation, not one president or one prime minister to defeat it," said Blair, who now serves as U.N. envoy to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, some in Washington say President Barack Obama shares some responsibility for the rise of ISIS.

"Time after time, President Obama had the opportunity to act when U.S. engagement could have made a decisive difference," Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., wrote in an article for National Review Online.

"And in pulling back from America's traditional leadership role," they continued, "he left a vacuum for other, more dangerous actors to fill. As a result, the situation in Iraq and Syria has descended into a crisis that poses a direct threat to the United States."

The president has been receiving regular updates on the airstrikes and plans to hold meetings with Middle East leaders in the coming days.