article_snippet: Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said ISIS could only be defeated by local forces on the ground in Syria and Iraq.
article_snippet: Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: 'Britain remains at the forefront of coalition military efforts to support the Government in the Government fight against Isil. '
article_snippet: This effective and closely co-ordinated activity in conjunction with Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces has largely stalled the terrorists' advances. '
article_snippet: But Isil must be defeated in both Iraq and Syria.
article_snippet: In Syria, coalition air strikes have supported the liberation of Kobane and have disrupted Isil's logistics and supply lines. '
article_snippet: However, defeating Isil ultimately lies with local forces and we are helping to create effective ground forces in Syria, as well as in Iraq, so local forces can take the fight to Isil.'
article_snippet: Mr Fallon added: 'Britain remains at the forefront of coalition military efforts to support the Iraqi government in the Iraqi government fight against Isil.'