U.S. seeks support of allies in battle

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is pressing European and Arab allies to provide more troops and support for the war against the Islamic State group, hoping that the horror of the Paris attacks — and the fear more are coming — will compel them to get more deeply involved.

The call for help is driven by a hope to build on what the Obama administration sees as the beginnings of battlefield momentum in Iraq and Syria. It may also reflect a sense in the Pentagon that the campaign against the Islamic State group has advanced too slowly and requires more urgent and decisive military moves.

U.S. officials say they detect more European interest in contributing to the military campaign in Syria, where many governments have stayed largely on the sidelines.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter has made clear the basic U.S. strategy is not changing. But during a meeting with top advisers and commanders last week, Carter said now is the time to reach out to European allies for support in the fight against the Islamic State group, according to a senior defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official said Carter asked his top advisers to reach out to Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Turkey for additional military support. The requests span a range of options from equipment and supplies to trainers and special operations forces.

The U.S. push for broader support for military action comes as France and Russia have has intensified their aerial bombing in Syria.