The Islamic State fighting in Syria and Iraq has been crushed by coalition forces after years of trying to establish a caliphate in the Middle East. “I think is it important to recognize that this is not just a defense issue... it’s a national security issue... it’s a legal issue, its an immigration issue, as well as a defense issue. We work together closely with our counterparts and particularly with the relationship I have with Secretary Lorenzana,” Payne said. Canberra has been aiding Manila against local supporters of the Islamic State group in Marawi since September, deploying two AP-3C Orion aircraft for surveillance while helping in information-gathering and analysis. In Clark, Lorenzana said the threat from the Maute group was diminished.

Source: The Standard October 24, 2017 16:43 UTC