Apache attack helicopters ready to obliterate ISIS

Iraqi forces have vowed to retake the key city of Mosul from ISIS – also known as Daesh – this year.

Now the US has offered Apaches, special operations forces and advisors to speed up the operation.

US Army Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland – commander of the coalition – said: "As we extend operations across Iraq and into Syria there is a good potential that we'll need additional capabilities – additional forces to provide those capabilities – and we're looking at the right mix."

Daesh may tremble at the thought of the flying killing machines coming for them – or relish the chance to take on US forces directly.

Critics may fear the West is being dragged deeper and deeper into another Middle Eastern war.

The downing of two US Black Hawk helicopters during the Battle of Mogadishu – recounted in the film Black Hawk Down – resulted in America pulling out of Somalia.

Dozens of US special operations forces have already been used in northern Syria and an "elite targeting force" has helped fight Daesh militants alongside Iraqi soldiers in Iraq.

About 30 British soldiers have already been sent back to Afghanistan after the Taliban retook the town of Sangin, in Helmand Province.

British troops are also preparing to head off to Libya.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter offered the send Apache helicopters to help the Iraqi Army retake Ramadi, just 68 miles from Baghdad in December – but they weren't needed.

Lt Gen MacFarland said: "We can't inflict help on somebody.

"They have to ask for it, they have to want it – and we’re here to provide it as required.

"Everything that the secretary said is really still on the table."

(dailystar.co.uk)