In a 15-minute primetime speech to the nation Sept. 10, President Barack Obama unveiled a series of strategies to combat Islamic State terrorists.

Obama announced a series of strategies including airstrikes, helping train Iraqi forces and continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the Islamic State group. Obama’s speech comes after calls from both Democrats and Republicans to confront the terrorist group.

The President began his speech by touting some of his foreign policy accomplishments.

“As Commander-in-Chief, my highest priority is the security of the American people. Over the last several years, we have consistently taken the fight to terrorists who threaten our country,” Obama said. “We took out Osama bin Laden and much of al Qaeda’s leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We’ve targeted al Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen, and recently eliminated the top commander of its affiliate in Somalia.”

Obama then conceded that the United States still faces the threat of terrorism, mostly from groups in the Middle East and North Africa.

“Still, we continue to face a terrorist threat. We cannot erase every trace of evil from the world, and small groups of killers have the capacity to do great harm.” Obama said. “That was the case before 9/11, and that remains true today. That’s why we must remain vigilant as threats emerge.”

The president then presented a direct plan to counter the terrorist group.

“Our objective is clear,” Obama said five minutes into his speech. “We will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy.”

He laid out his military strategy to combat the threats, first with airstrikes.

“First, we will conduct a systematic campaign of airstrikes against these terrorists. Working with the Iraqi government, we will expand our efforts beyond protecting our own people and humanitarian missions, so that we’re hitting ISIL targets as Iraqi forces go on offense.” Obama said. “I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well as Iraq. This is a core principle of my presidency: if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven.”

Obama then announced he will send an additional 475 troops to Iraq. He made it clear that they will not be in a combat mission, rather helping Iraqi and Kurdish forces with training, intelligence and equipment. He also said the U.S. will support Iraq’s efforts to stand up National Guard units to help Sunni communities secure their own freedom from Islamic State control.

Obama also said the U.S. will work with allies to cut off funding to ISIS, improve intelligence, strengthen defense, counter ISIS’ “warped ideology,” and stem the flow of foreign fighters into and out of the Middle East. He also said the U.S. will continue providing humanitarian assistance to Sunni and Shia Muslims who have been displaced or are at risk of harm from ISIS.

Obama affirmed what the White House had announced earlier this week, that the President believes he does not need approval from Congress to carry out his plans.

“My Administration has also secured bipartisan support for this approach here at home. I have the authority to address the threat from [the Islamic State group].” Obama said. “I believe we are strongest as a nation when the President and Congress work together. So I welcome congressional support for this effort in order to show the world that Americans are united in confronting this danger.”

Obama assured the nation that he believes America will prevail.

“Tomorrow marks 13 years since our country was attacked. Next week marks 6 years since our economy suffered its worst setback since the Great Depression. Obama said. “Yet despite these shocks; through the pain we have felt and the grueling work required to bounce back. America is better positioned today to seize the future than any other nation on Earth.”

The President ended his remarks saying America should stand for values to rid the Earth of hate and destruction.

“That is the difference we make in the world. And our own safety our own security depends upon our willingness to do what it takes to defend this nation, and uphold the values that we stand for timeless ideals that will endure long after those who offer only hate and destruction have been vanquished from the Earth.”