US ready to offer more help to retake Ramadi

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Wednesday the Pentagon was prepared to assist the Iraqi government with more personnel and attack helicopters to retake the key Iraqi city of Ramadi from the Islamic State (IS).

"The United States is prepared to assist the Iraqi army with additional unique capabilities to help them finish the job (retaking the city of Ramadi), including attack helicopters and accompanying advisers if circumstance dictates and if requested by (Iraqi) Prime Minister Abadi," said Carter here at a congressional hearing.

The Iraqi forces in May lost Ramadi to IS fighters, triggering an unusual anger from Carter, who at that time accused the Iraqis of lacking "will to fight."

Carter's remark on Wednesday was the latest sign of U.S. willingness to intensify its involvement in the fight against the IS, also known as ISIL.

Despite his opposition to send ground troops overseas, U.S. President Barack Obama announced on October his plan to send fewer than 50 U.S. special operations troops to assist rebels in Syria...
  Xinhua -china.org.cn
  10/12/15
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