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The commander of the U.S.-led coalition arrayed against Islamic State says the expanded air strikes are working in stalling the militants' advance in Iraq and Syria but warned that the mission is far from over.
"The intent of the expanded air strikes is to degrade ISIL's capability and their ability to threaten U.S. interests and the interests of our partners. We are having the desired effects, but this will take some time," said U.S. Army General Lloyd Austin.
The tempo of coalition air strikes has increased dramatically, with U.S. fighter and bomber planes carrying out 14 raids against Islamic State targets near Kobani in Syria on Wednesday and Thursday, the U.S. military's Central Command said.
The strikes have targeted the group's communications equipment, command centers, vehicles and more, Austin said.
The main mission, however, remains helping to stabilize the situation in Iraq, Austin added.
"The things that
