(VOVworld) – A large-scale ground offensive against Islamic State (IS) jihadists will be launched in the weeks ahead, John Allen, the US coordinator for the anti-IS coalition told Jordan's official Petra news agency on Saturday.

Jordan has launched 56 air strikes targeting IS [Photo:Reuters]

Allen said Iraqi troops will lead the offensive, with the support of the US-led coalition, to take back swathes of Iraq that have been seized by IS. He also said that 12 Iraqi military brigades are participating in training courses as a prelude to the offensive. Allen will soon travel to east Asia to involve more countries in the coalition, which already includes 62 countries.

The Jordanian air force chief, Major General Mansour al-Jobour, said on Sunday that Jordan had launched 56 air strikes targeting IS since Thursday, destroying a number of vehicles, headquarters, weapon depots, military barracks, and training centers. He added that Jordan will continue with more air strikes.