WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – Biden's remarks came a day after US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter blamed Iraqi forces' for lack of will in fighting against the insurgents for the city's capture, though the Iraqi army vastly outnumbers the Islamic State. ISIL militants took control of Ramadi, located some 80 miles west of Baghdad, on May 17 after several days of intense fighting.
"The vice president recognized the enormous sacrifice and bravery of Iraqi forces over the past eighteen months in Ramadi and elsewhere," the statement read.
The United States will provide full support to Iraqi forces as they attempt to liberate the country from ISIL jihadists, according to Biden. The aid will include "the expedited provision of US training and equipment to address the threat posed by ISIL’ use of truck bombs."
Media reports appeared on Sunday claiming that some 3,000 members of the Iraqi militia started an offensive operation against ISIL militants in the area of Ramadi.
