The NATO alliance says it is considering getting more involved in efforts to combat the Islamic State extremist group.
Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says NATO defence ministers on Wednesday ordered the alliance to draft a proposal for training the Iraqi military inside Iraq, and helping build its capacity.
NATO brass will also advise how alliance AWACS surveillance aircraft could help the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition by monitoring Syrian and Iraqi airspace.
U.S. Defence Secretary Ash Carter welcomed the development, but said it should go further.
Following a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Carter said he'd "like to see NATO do more."
As examples, he cited NATO's proven ability to assemble a multinational military force and integrate contributions from smaller countries in a collective effort.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.