Obama also expressed hope that a proposed cease-fire in Syria will lead to a political settlement to end the civil war and allow a more intense focus on ISIS.

President Barack Obama directed his national security team Thursday to press the U.S.-led international campaign to destroy ISIS “on all fronts.” He also expressed hope that a proposed cease-fire in Syria will lead to a political settlement to end the civil war and allow a more intense focus on ISIS.

Obama commented after a rare meeting at the State Department with some of his top national security advisers, who updated him on the parallel efforts to counter ISIS and bring peace to Syria after years of civil strife.

“I have directed my team to continue accelerating this campaign on all fronts,” Obama said, flanked by Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Ash Carter, Attorney General Loretta Lynch and other top advisers. Obama said like-minded nations are stepping up and offering more assistance to defeat ISIS.

Since last summer militants haven’t launched a single successful operation in Syria or Iraq, where it controls large amounts of territory, he said.

On Syria, Obama said he doesn’t expect a cease-fire that’s set to take effect on Saturday to immediately end hostilities after years of bloodshed between forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad and rebels who want to end his reign.

Announced just this week, the cease-fire is a “test” of whether the parties are committed to broader negotiations over a political transition, a new constitution and holding free elections, Obama said. He said Syria’s future cannot include Assad as president, which is a chief point of contention with Russia and Iran, who support the Syrian leader.

“We are certain that there will continue to be fighting,” Obama said, noting that ISIS, the Nusra Front and other groups aren’t part of the negotiations. Obama put the onus on Russia and its allies – including the Assad government – to live up to their commitments under the agreement.

The elusive cease-fire deal was reached only after a months-long Russian air campaign that the U.S. says strengthened Assad’s hand and allowed his forces to retake territory, altering the balance of power in the Syrian civil war.

“The world will be watching,” Obama said.

Related articles across the web

• UN Security Council to discuss Turkish shelling in Syria
• Kerry: US discussing 'plan B' in case Syrian diplomatic efforts fail
• Syria conflict becomes 'multisided proxy war'
• US pledges additional $601 million in aid for Syria
• The big question: Under Syria ceasefire, can Jaish al-Fatah be attacked?
• With a Little Help From the Neocon in Chief...:
• US, Russia Announce Syrian Ceasefire to Begin Saturday
• Newest Drone Footage of Syrian Desert after war againt ISIS
• Risking World War III in Syria