1. top U.S. military officer | Reuters
WASHINGTON The Islamic State's gains in the Iraqi city of Ramadi are setback for Iraqi security
forces, the top U.S. military officer said on Monday, adding such setbacks were "regrettable but not
uncommon in warfare."
"Much effort will now be required to reclaim the city," Army General Martin Dempsey, chairman of
the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a statement.
"We will continue to support Iraq's security forces with U.S. air strikes, training, and equipment.
Reducing sectarian tensions and preparing for reconstruction will continue to challenge the
government of Iraq."
(Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Doina Chiacu)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/18/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-dempsey-idUSKBN0O321Q201505
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