U.S. President Barack Obama addresses reporters about developments in Iraq and civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, from the White House in Washington, August 18, 2014.

U.S. President Barack Obama said Monday that the United States has embarked on a long-term mission to defeat the insurgents of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants fighting in Iraq.

“We will continue to pursue a long-term strategy to turn the tide against ISIL by supporting the new Iraqi government and working with key partners in the region,” Obama said during a news conference at the White House on Monday, using another acronym by which the group is known.

Obama also confirmed on Monday that Iraqi and Kurdish forces with U.S. help had recaptured Iraq’s largest dam from ISIS, noting that the joint operations demonstrated that Iraqi and Kurdish forces were capable of working together.

He also warned against “mission creep,” in a reference the previous long-lasting presence and extended remit of troops on the ground since the 2003 U.S. invasion.

In the wake of new Prime Minister-designate Haider al-Abadi’s appointment, he also urged Iraqi politicians to “put behind some of the old practices” and to not return to divisions that had hurt the country.

 
[wpResize]