Obama will meet with special ops forces, talk strategy
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will use a visit with special operations forces on Tuesday to highlight gains the U.S. has made against extremist organizations such as the Islamic State group and to promote what he sees as the most sustainable approach to fighting such groups.
Obama will deliver his last major national security speech as president at Florida's MacDill Air Force Base and will thank special operations forces that have played an increasingly large role in the nation's fight against al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.
Ben Rhodes, a deputy national security adviser, said in previewing the speech that Obama has focused on building partnerships with nations while the United States provides intelligence and training to complement a U.S.-led coalition air campaign.