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IS: US advisers 'may join Iraqi attacks' US advisers may join attacks on Islamic State - Hagel
(35 minutes later)
Top US general Martin Dempsey says he would consider recommending the use of US soldiers in attacks against Islamic State (IS) targets in Iraq. US military advisers could accompany Iraqi forces in attacks against Islamic State (IS) militants, top US General Martin Dempsey has said.
He added that airstrikes in Syria would not look like "shock and awe" because that is not how IS was organised. Hundreds more US advisers are being sent to Iraq as part of a new strategy to defeat the group outlined by President Barack Obama last week.
Earlier, the US said it had carried out its first air strike against IS under President Obama's new strategy to "degrade and destroy" the group. The US earlier carried out its first air strike under the strategy, which seeks to "degrade and destroy" IS.
US officials said the strike destroyed an IS fighting position near Baghdad. The jihadists have seized huge areas of Syria and Iraq declared a "caliphate".
Meanwhile, Iraq's new PM saw his two nominations for defence and interior minister rejected by parliament. 'At war'
Gen Dempsey confirmed that US military advisers would help the Iraqi army to plan attacks against IS.
"To be clear, if we reach the point where I believe our advisers should accompany Iraqi troops on attacks against specific Isil [Islamic State] targets, I will recommend that to the president," he said.
General Dempsey was testifying alongside defence secretary Chuck Hagel at the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"We are at war with Isil, as we are with al-Qaeda", Mr Hagel said.
He outlined in more detail the US strategy for dealing with the group.
"This plan includes targeted actions against Isil safe havens in Syria, including its command and control, logistics capabilities, and infrastructure" he said.
Both men were heckled by anti-war protesters inside the chamber.
Meanwhile, Iraq's new prime minister saw his two nominations for defence and interior minister rejected by parliament.
The rejections of the two key posts are a setback for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.The rejections of the two key posts are a setback for Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
IS, which is also known as Isil or Isis, has seized large areas of Syria and Iraq and declared a "caliphate".