CRI听力:US Seeks More Support for Airstrikes in Syria, Raids Video Released

President Barack Obama expressed his gratitude towards the five Arab nations that either took part in the strikes or supported the military action.

"America is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with these nations on behalf of our common security. The strength of this coalition makes it clear to the world that this is not America's fight alone."

A senior official from the Department of Homeland Security disclosed that the strikes were launched after U.S. intelligence got information that a terrorist group called Khorasan is planning attacks in Europe and the United States.

According to the Pentagon, U.S. military forces and ally nations launched three rounds of strikes, targeting both Khorasan and ISIL in Eastern and Northern Syria.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby called the air strikes "very successful".

"While it's not our policy to discuss future operations, I can tell you that last night's strikes were only the beginning."

A White House official says President Obama is going to host a UN Security Council special meeting Wednesday afternoon to seek more international support in an effort to curb the flow of foreign fighters to-and-from the embattled region.

"This is a critical issue. We need to have a common set of measures that we're taking at the international community to stop of the flow of these fighters into Iraq and Syria, and out of Iraq and Syria."

According to U.S. intelligence, there are some 15 thousand foreign fighters in Iraq and Syria, including some two thousand from western countries.

Analysts believe the U.S. proposal may win wide support at the UN Security Council meeting. [Photo: CFP]

However, it will be a great challenge in execution and monitoring.

Xiaohong, CRI, Washington DC.