A top US General stated American ground troops may still be deployed in the fight against Islamic State (IS) militants if the current strategy of airstrikes fails to defeat them.

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he backed US President Barack Obama’s announced strategy of American, European and Middle Eastern governments co-operating to carry out airstrikes against IS. However, he went on to add,

“My view at this point is that this coalition is the appropriate way forward. I believe that will prove true… But if it fails to be true, and if there are threats to the United States, then I of course would go back to the president and make a recommendation that may include the use of U.S. military ground forces.”

Dempsey went on to say that the current campaign "won't look like a 'shock and awe' campaign because that's simply not how (the Islamic State group) is organized,” adding “but it will be a persistent and sustainable campaign."

General Dempsey was speaking alongside US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel who said,

"We are at war with Isil, as we are with al-Qaeda.”

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives may vote on President Obama’s request for $500 million to arm and train Syrian rebels, who have been approved by the US government.

Commenting on the request, Hagel added that it would be enough to train 5,000 fighters, however noted,

"Five thousand (trained fighters) is a beginning ... this is part of the reason this effort is going to be a long term effort… Five thousand alone is not going to be able to turn the tide. We recognize that."