Defence Secretary Ash Carter says they will use Qayara as new air base to recapture Mosul (AFP Photo)
Baghdad:
Carter, in an unannounced visit, says US advisers are prepared to accompany Iraqi battalions, if needed, as they move toward Mosul.
A senior defense official says it's unclear when US advisers would begin accompanying the battalions, but it could be in the coming weeks and months. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, so spoke anonymously.
Carter laid out the US vision for Qayara for the first time, describing its recapture as a key strategic victory.
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