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ISIS surrounds Iraqi air base, President Obama meets with coalition allies

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A large air base in Iraq is facing an attack on all sides.

ISIS militants surrounded the Ein Al-Assad air base in Anbar province on Tuesday, CNN reports.

The base is being threatened with rocket launchers and tanks controlled by the Islamic State, which has been gaining ground in Iraq despite air strikes from the United States and allies.

President Barack Obama met with defense officials of 21 countries fighting ISIS Tuesday at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.

Obama said it would be a long haul to dislodge ISIS.

"There are not quick fixes involved," Obama said. "As with any military effort there will be days of progress and there are going to be periods of setback, but our coalition is united behind this long-term effort."

This Newsy video asks, is a mercenary army the answer to ISIS?

Gavin Stern is a national digital producer for the Scripps National Desk. Follow him on twitter at@GavinStern or email him at gavin.stern@scripps.com