US 'prepared to expand' special operations forces in Syria

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said today that he was "prepared to expand" the role of special operations troops fighting Islamic State jihadists in Syria.

"American special operators bring a unique suite of capabilities that make them force multipliers," Carter told the House Armed Services Committee. "Where we find further opportunity to leverage such capability, we are prepared to expand it."

The United States has already announced it is sending about 50 special operations troops into Syria.