(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama hailed the participation of the international coalition against the self-proclaimed Islamic State, saying the fight has just begun and will be a long one.

US President Barack Obama warned US citizens to expect a long and difficult fight

Ahead of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, Obama told reporters that the participation of five Arab nations in Monday’s air strikes against IS militants in northeast Syria made the fight a joint effort by the international community, not just the US. Obama vowed more strikes against IS and other al-Qaeda affiliates like the Khorasan group, warning US citizens to expect a long and difficult fight.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said President Obama arrived in New York on Tuesday and met with representatives of the five Arab nations who joined the air strikes against the IS in Syria.