"This force will also be in a position to conduct unilateral operations in Syria," Carter said, adding that in Iraq, the force will be working alongside and at the invitation of Iraqi official forces.
Carter did not further describe the specific mission of the new forces in Syria and Iraq, but stated, "We want this expeditionary targeting force to make ISIL and its leads to wonder when they go to bed at night, who is going to be coming in the window?"
On December 1, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced that the United States was sending a special expeditionary targeting force to assist Iraqi and Kurdish military forces in fighting IS. Carter added that the special operators will conduct raids, gather intelligence, free hostages and capture IS leaders.
Last month, the White House has also announced the intent to send some 50 US special forces members to Syria to assist so-called moderate opposition factions fighting the IS jihadists.