The Iraqi army is expected to launch a major ground offensive that will see the US-led coalition provide extensive fire support to "eradicate ISIS."
Retired General John R Allen, the American official coordinating the international coalition fighting Islamic State, said that "there will be a major counter offensive on the ground in Iraq," AFP reported.
"In the weeks ahead, when the Iraqi forces begin the ground campaign to take back Iraq, the coalition will provide major firepower associated with that," Allen said.
"The United States is doing all it can to deliver its support as quickly as possible."
US Secretary of State John Kerry told television viewers on Sunday during NBC's Meet the Press that the US-led coalition is on the road to degrade and destroy ISIS. He noted that the coalition forces were more determined than ever to eradicate ISIS, after the brutal radical group released a video showing Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh.
Kerry noted that the Iraqi army has already been able to take back 22% of areas that had fallen under ISIS without mounting any major offensive.
In recent months the Iraqi army has claimed to have retaken the Mosul dam. Also the air strikes have been able to destroy all ISIS supply routes to Mosul.
Recent reports have found that the US troops also are discussing the possibility of getting boots on the ground, especially during the major offensive to retake Mosul, the second largest Iraqi city.
The Jordanians, who have promised to play a more involved role, are also mulling on deploying their highly skilled Special Forces. Britain also, in the mean time, has promised to sent in at least 2,000 advisers along with spy planes to assist the Jordanians.
