A few weeks ago, we warned that defeating terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State on the battlefield probably will mean an increase in brutal attacks by their operatives.

Now it is official: After meeting with security advisers, President Barack Obama has issued the same warning.

Progress is being made in retaking territory once claimed by the IS in Iraq and Syria. But losing on the battlefield already has prompted the group to encourage more attacks by its operatives and so-called “lone wolf” sympathizers.

The bottom line, as Obama admitted, is that defeating IS armies is not enough. Hunting down and eradicating individual terrorists is the only way of safeguarding ourselves from their assaults.