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Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi asked outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel for more weapons and air support to defeat Islamic State as U.S.-led airstrikes against the militant group enter a fifth month.

The al-Qaeda breakaway group has acquired heavy weapons and remains able to move between Iraq and Syria, Abadi told Hagel today. Hagel, whos leaving his post after conflicts with White House officials, is on a farewell tour that has also taken him to Afghanistan, another U.S. war front.

We are very thankful for the support thats been given to us, Abadi said. Our forces are very much advancing on the ground. But they need more air power and more heavy weapons, he said.

Iraq's Brittle Nationhood

While President Barack Obama has pledged that U.S. forces serving as advisers and trainers wont become involved directly in ground combat, American officials have emphasized in recent days that Iraqi forces wont be ready for months to launch a counteroffensive in territory seized by Islamic State.

His specific request regarding additional firepower was one we did discuss, Hagel told reporters at a press conference in Baghdad after his meeting with Abadi, without saying whether it will be granted. Hagel said the U.S. has accelerated delivery to Iraq of weapons such as Hellfire missiles and mine-resistant armored vehicles.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks to American troops during a visit in FOB Gamberi, Afghanistan, on Dec. 7, 2014. Close

U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks to American troops during a visit in FOB... Read More

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks to American troops during a visit in FOB Gamberi, Afghanistan, on Dec. 7, 2014.

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Iraq Asks U.S. for Arms as Hagel Makes First Baghdad Visit