U.S., Iraq planning ground offensive against IS to recapture towns, cities

The United States and Iraq are drawing up a plan for Iraqi ground troops to launch operations against the Islamic State militants in order to reclaims the towns and cities occupied by IS, said a senior administration official.

The plan will not be implemented at least until the next seven months, reported the Washington Times.

It would also ensure that Iraqi forces do not overstretch themselves before they recapture territories from IS fighters.

However, U.S. President Barack Obama has repeatedly said that no U.S. ground forces would be deployed to Iraq.