Obama: Vote shows U.S. united against Islamic State group

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says a bipartisan Senate vote to authorize arming and training Syrian rebels shows the world that Americans are united in combating the Islamic State group.

Obama says Islamic State terrorists thought they could frighten or intimidate the U.S. through the barbaric murder of two Americans.

He said they’re learning the same lesson that others have learned: That Americans don’t give in to fear, but rather pull together and stand together.

Obama said U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State targets will continue. But he says U.S. troops will not have a combat role on the ground in Iraq or Syria.

Obama spoke at the White House shortly after the Senate approved his plan for training and equipping Syrian rebels. The vote clears the measure for Obama’s signature.

Associated Press