The US Department of Defense (DoD) has extended its support to the Iraqi Government to regain control of the city of Ramadi, Iraq, from ISIS.
Ramadi was seized by the terrorist outfit on 17 May.
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As part of a commitment to support Iraq, the US has agreed to deploy advisers and attack helicopters to recapture the city.
US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said: "The US military is ready to help the Iraqis retake Ramadi with greater capabilities if circumstances dictate and if requested by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi."
The announcement comes after Iraqi forces backed by US-led coalition strikes reclaimed Al-Tameem, the south-western side of the city, on 8 December this month.
A US defence official was quoted by Reuters as saying: "The US advisers would be prepared to provide advice to Iraqi security forces on how to move through the centre of Ramadi over the next several weeks."
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By GlobalDataSpeculations about the US agreeing to deploy Apache attack helicopters were not confirmed by the official.
So far, the US DoD has deployed 3,500 troops in six locations to support Iraqi security forces.
Carter had already announced plans to deploy a specialised expeditionary targeting force to combat ISIS.
Turkey recently revoked its decision to send additional troops to Iraq for training purposes.
Image: Defense Secretary Ash Carter testifies on the strategy to counter ISIS before the US Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington. Photo: by US Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tim D. Godbee / US DoD.
