Defence Secretary Ash Carter says they will use Qayara as new air base to recapture Mosul (AFP Photo)
Defense Secretary Ash Carter has arrived in Iraq, saying US and coalition forces will use the newly retaken air base in Qayara (kee-AH'-rah) as a staging hub, as Iraqi security forces move closer to the long-awaited battle to recapture Mosul from ISIS terrorists.
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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