KABUL - The United States is using the lessons it has learnt in Afghanistan to fight against the self-styled Islamic State, President Barack Obama said on Tuesday.

Addressing the Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism at the United Nations, Obama said: “We’re pursuing a comprehensive strategy that is informed by our success over many years in crippling the Al Qaeda core in the tribal regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

He said the US was harnessing all its tools to combat the extremists. The Department of State has declared 10 individuals and five groups as global terrorists. All are affiliated with the Daesh.

Washington has slapped new sanctions on the IS-linked groups and individuals to cut off their sources of financing. The individuals include four British and three French citizens.

The militants in Syria could be defeated only if President Bashar al-Assad stepped down, Obama said, adding defeating IS fighters required a new leader. Over 100 leaders from across the world attended the summit.

"There are going to be successes and setbacks … This is not a conventional battle. This is a long-term campaign." He alleged the outfit was making unique efforts to target Muslim communities.

Obama reiterated: “This is not going to be turned around overnight because it is not just a military campaign that we are involved in. There are problems that have built up over decades that are manifesting themselves in organisations like ISIL.” (Pajhwok)