"Vice President Joe Biden spoke today with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. They discussed ongoing military operations in Iraq, including in Anbar and Salah ah Din provinces. The Vice President expressed his support for Prime Minister Abadi's leadership of Iraq's fight against ISIL," the White House said in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Biden praised Iraqi government's efforts to ensure that displaced populations in the country can return to their homes after ISIL extremists are defeated and local areas are "stabilized".
"The Vice President specifically welcomed the Prime Minister's call from the frontlines for the protection of civilians and the importance of ensuring all armed groups act under control of the state," the White House statement said.
US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Martin Dempsey announced on Wednesday that the United States could send special operations forces to help the Iraqi military carry out offensive operations against ISIL, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS).
US President Barack Obama formed the international anti-ISIL coalition in September of last year. The coalition has been carrying out airstrikes against the extremists in Iraq and Syria, where thousands of people have been displaced amid the fight against ISIL, which has ceased vast areas in both countries, declaring the establishment of and Islamic caliphate.
Obama also promised to help train and arm Kurds, Iraqis and "moderate" Syrian opposition who are fighting against ISIL on the ground, but US involvement in ground military operations against the Sunni radicals has not been authorized.
