US: 10,000 Islamic State militants killed in nine-month campaign
More than 10,000 Islamic State fighters have been killed since the international coalition started its campaign against the militant group nine months ago in Iraq and Syria, according to US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Speaking after a coalition meeting in Paris, Blinken there had been a great deal of progress in the fight against Islamic State but that the group remained resilient and capable of taking the initiative.
"We have seen a lot of losses within Daesh since the start of this campaign, more than 10,000," he said. "It will end up having an impact."
Western and Arab states carrying out air strikes on Islamic State fighters backed Iraq's plan for retaking territory on Tuesday, after being accused by the Iraqi premier of not doing enough to help Baghdad push back the insurgents.
"At the start of this campaign (we) said it would take time," he said. "We have conceived a three-year plan and we're nine months into it."
