Florida's two senators say the fight against the Islamic State (IS) is likely to be long and difficult, setting the stage for possible further military action in the Middle East.

Speaking to CNN Thursday morning, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said he hoped there would be no American troops sent to the ground in Syria, where President Barack Obama on Wednesday evening authorized airstrikes to hit.

I dont think thats something we need to do right away, he said. We need to be honest with the American people. It could require that.