Iraq and its allies have succeeded in killing thousands of ISIS fighters and 50 per cent of the group’s top commanders.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry broke the news on Thursday during a meeting with the anti-ISIS coalition in London. According to Mr Kerry, Iraqi ground troops supported by nearly 2,000 air strikes had taken back 270 square miles of territory and thousands of militants were killed. However, the top U.S. diplomat said the international coalition “can do better” at stopping ISIS’ flow of funds and foreign fighters, as well as curbing the reach its extremist ideas.

The London talks brought together officials from European nations, Australia, Canada, Turkey, several Arab and Gulf states, as well as the United States and Britain. Mr Kerry emphasised that this is not a Syrian or Iraqi problem, it is a “global problem and it demands a coordinated comprehensive and enduring global response.” During the meeting, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said his armies needed more weapons and asked for greater financial support. Mr Kerry responded that a “very significant” number of M16 rifles were on the way.

U.S. intelligence has estimated that ISIS has a total force of between 9,000 to 18,000 fighters, but it is believed the group can gather about 31,000 people.

Source : http://www.australiannationalreview.com/john-kerry-isis-leaders-killed/