U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter made an unannounced visit Wednesday to Iraq as part of a trip to seek more help in the battle against Islamic State militants.
Carter was expected to meet with Iraq leaders as well as his commanders to get their assessment of the campaign and what else could be done.
The U.S. has been supporting Iraqi forces with airstrikes since August of last year, but has so far ruled out sending ground troops. Islamic State fighters still control large areas in northern and western Iraq, including several major cities.
Carter's stop in Iraq follows his visit to Turkey, where he urged more Turkish air and ground support for the U.S.-led coalition and pressed Turkey to better secure its border to help prevent fighters from going into Syria.
He also welcomed Saudi Arabia's announcement of a new 34-nation Islamic military alliance to fight terrorism.