Pentagon chief urges Turks to ‘do more’ against IS

Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015. Carter said he has personally congratulated the two female soldiers who this week became the first women to complete the rigorous Army Ranger School, calling the women trailblazers who showed their capabilities by finishing what Carter called the Ranger "proving ground." (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015. Carter said he has personally congratulated the two female soldiers who this week became the first women to complete the rigorous Army Ranger School, calling the women trailblazers who showed their capabilities by finishing what Carter called the Ranger "proving ground." (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

By Associated Press August 20, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday called on Turkey to “do more” to assist the U.S.-led international coalition fighting the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

Carter told a Pentagon news conference that the U.S. appreciates Turkey’s recent decision to permit U.S. warplanes to fly combat missions out of Turkish air bases.

“That’s important, but it’s not enough,” he said.

As a fellow NATO member and a neighbor to the conflict in Syria and Iraq, Turkey must tighten control of its borders, Carter said, adding that IS has managed to move supplies and fighters across those borders.

“We’re looking for them to do more in that regard,” he said.