In Tampa, Obama says his strategy is 'breaking the back' of extremists

TAMPA (AP) - President Barack Obama says the fight he's led against the Islamic State group has been relentless, sustainable and multilateral. He says it demonstrates a shift in how the U.S. takes on terrorists around the world.

Obama spoke at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, home to U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command. It was President Obama's last major national security speech before leaving office.

Obama defended the counter terrorism strategy that has relied on U.S. special forces and local groups rather than large-scale U.S. ground forces. He said the U.S. built a "network of partners" to help fight extremists. Obama said the U.S. is "breaking the back" of IS.

Obama noted that he is poised to become the first president to serve two full terms at war.