Iraq Regroups for Ramadi Fight as Carter Criticism Reverberates

The defense secretary questioned the Iraqi military’s capability.

(Bloomberg) -- White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest speaks about the Iraqi military's failure to prevent the city of Ramadi from being captured by Islamic State. Earnest, speaking at a White House news briefing, also comments on flooding in Houston and legislation on NSA surveillance. (Source: Bloomberg)

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Iraq’s government began maneuvering to recapture the city of Ramadi from Islamic State, the Pentagon said, days after a top U.S. official questioned the Iraqi military’s will to fight.

“What you’re seeing now is the beginning of shaping operations” that include securing lines of communications and terrain needed before a full offensive begins, Army Colonel Steve Warren told reporters Tuesday.