The fight against ISIL terrorist group will be difficult and could last decades due to decisions made by US President Barack Obama, former Pentagon chief Leon Panetta has said.

The fight against ISIL terrorist group will be difficult and could last decades due to decisions made by US President Barack Obama, former Pentagon chief Leon Panetta has said.

"I think we're looking at kind of a 30-year war" that could extend to threats in Libya, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen, Panetta told USA Today in a story published Monday.