Iraqi-led and U.S.-supported, it's important that it be launched at a time when it can succeed and so I think the important thing is that it get done when it can be done successfully. Even if I knew exactly when that was going to be, I wouldn't tell Defense Ash Carter.

Defense Ash Carter

Categorized in : World

Territory retaken from ISIL (Islamic State) has to be occupied and governed by people who are from the area and want to live there.

Defense Ash Carter

Targeting that is the way that the greatest effect can be had ... That is the principal intent of this.

Defense Ash Carter

There is now a criminal syndicate that is exploiting these poor people and this is an organized smuggling operation, targeting that is the way that the greatest effect can be had in the humanitarian dimension.

Defense Ash Carter

Next, in full coordination with the Government of Iraq, we're deploying a specialized expeditionary targeting force to assist Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces and to put even more pressure on ISIL, these special operators will over time be able to conduct raids, free hostages, gather intelligence, and capture ISIL leaders.

Defense Ash Carter

It puts everyone on notice, you don't know at night who is going... by Defense Ash Carter

It puts everyone on notice, you don't know at night who is going to be coming into the window.

Defense Ash Carter

Being here on the Theodore Roosevelt in the South China Sea is a symbol and signifies the stabilizing presence that the United States has had in this part of the world for decades.

Defense Ash Carter

Teddy Roosevelt's presence there and our visit is a symbol of our commitment to our rebalance (to Asia) and the importance of the Asia-Pacific to the United States.

Defense Ash Carter

Eric served as my first chief of staff at the Pentagon, and it has been a privilege over the course of my career to work alongside him and watch him develop into one of our country's most knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced public servants, i know he will strengthen our Army, build on its best traditions, and prepare our ground forces to confront a new generation of challenges.

Defense Ash Carter

Abu Sayyaf was involved in ISIL's military operations and helped direct the terrorist organization's illicit oil, gas, and financial operations as well.

Defense Ash Carter