U.S. launches task force to combat violent extremism

The White House announced Friday the formation of a new task force to combat the recruitment of Americans to violent extremist movements like ISIS.

The new effort comes in response to frustration that ISIS operatives and supporters have managed to recruit followers in Europe and the United States and launch deadly attacks without detection by intelligence services.

"The horrific attacks in Paris and San Bernardino this winter underscored the need for the United States and our partners in the international community and the private sector to deny violent extremists like ISIL fertile recruitment ground," said National Security Council spokesperson Ned Price, using another acronym for ISIS.

The Countering Violent Extremism Task Force will harmonize Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department efforts in combatting domestic extremism.

It comes as the White House was to open top level discussions in California Friday with top Silicon Valley Internet firms aimed at finding ways to cooperate in detecting and fighting radicalization by terror groups.

"Today's developments reflect President Obama’s commitment to take every possible action to confront and interdict terrorist activities wherever they occur, including online," Price said in a statement.