Syrian opposition welcomes Obama speech on ISIS

US President Barack Obama delivers a live televised address to the nation on his plans for military action against the Islamic State, from the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington September 10. Photo: Reuters

Syria's Western-backed National Coalition opposition on Thursday urged US Congress to approve as soon as possible President Barack Obama's policy on Islamic State militants after he authorised US airstrikes for the first time in Syria.

"The Syrian Coalition ... stands ready and willing to partner with the international community not only to defeat ISIS but also rid the Syrian people of the tyranny of the Assad regime," coalition president Hadi al-Bahra said in a written statement.