Pentagon warns campaign against IS militants in Iraq, Syria could continue for 'years'

The Pentagon has warned that the ongoing operation against the Islamic State could continue for years after the U.S. and its Arab allies successfully launched the first airstrike against the IS militants in Syria.

William Mayville, director of operations for the Joint Staff said that the airstrike in Syria marked the beginning of a long campaign that would 'degrade and ultimately destroy' the Islamic State militants.

According to Politico, Mayville confirmed that the length of the campaign would definitely be in terms of years.

Mayville reiterated earlier announcements that the U.S. would not use ground troops to combat IS militants in the Middle East.

However, the U.S. would arm the Syrian rebels to fight the Islamic State and destroy their operations, said Mayville.