US to intensify operations against ISIS in Iraq, Syria

Washington, Oct 28: The US administration has decided to intensify its operation against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Iraq and Syria.

"The US is planning to use direct ground raids, increase air strikes the militant group," reported BBC citing Defence Secretary Ash Carter as saying.

Carter's statement has come a week after dozens of hostages held by IS in Iraq were rescued by the US-Iraqi forces.

According to observers, Carter's statement is clear indication of the lack of progress in defeating ISIS.

"We won't hold back from supporting capable partners in opportunistic attacks against ISIS or conducting such missions directly, whether by strikes from the air or direct action on the ground," Mr Carter said, using an alternative acronym for ISIS.

"We expect to intensify our air campaign, including with additional US and coalition aircraft, to target ISIL with a higher and heavier rate of strikes," he said.

"This will include more strikes against ISIL high-value targets as our intelligence improves."

US led coalition forces began air strikes to destroy ISIS positions in Iraq and Syria. Russia too has started striking ISIS positions from September 30 with an aim to help President Bashar al-Assad and defeat IS and other extremists from the country.

OneIndia News