If asked by Iraq, U.S. ready to deploy helicopters, advisers to help recapture Ramadi

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said if asked by the Iraqi government, the United States will send over attack helicopters and advisers to assist in retaking Ramadi from the Islamic State.

During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Carter said it is taking a "frustratingly long time" for Iraqi security forces to take back the territory west of Baghdad, which was captured by ISIS in May. Although Carter said the U.S. would help Iraq "finish the job" of retaking Ramadi, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said "any decision like this would only come at the request of Prime Minister [Haider al-] Abadi and after explicit sign-off from the president of the United States. And that sign-off has not been given at this point." Earnest added that Iraqi security forces are making "modest progress" in recapturing Ramadi. Earlier, Carter announced that some gains have been made in Iraq, with forces retaking the Anbar Operations Center within the past 24 hours.