US general: Islamic State on the defensive in Iraq as US leads effort to rebuild Iraqi army
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The commander of U.S. forces fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria says the extremist group has been thrown on the defensive, unable to generate the kind of quick strikes that captured large chunks of Iraq last summer.
Army Lt. Gen. James Terry told reporters in Kuwait that U.S. and coalition airstrikes are taking a toll on IS. He said the fighters are less mobile and are limited in their ability to communicate because of the airstrikes and other pressure.
Terry said his first priority is to build a bigger coalition of countries to counter IS. He said a conference of coalition partners last week produced plans for non-U.S. members to contribute as many as 1,500 military personnel to help rebuild Iraq's army.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Terry is based in Kuwait.