White House Says US is Sending Iraq Military Equipment To Fight Al Qaeda-Linked Fighters

White House spokesman Jay Carney adds that Iraq must deal with the situation itself

FALLUJAH, Iraq, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- The United States has helped the Iraqi government put down the al-Qaida insurgency, but Iraqis must do the fighting themselves, the White House said Monday.

The United States maintains a strong relationship and commitment with and to the government of Iraq," White House spokesman Jay Carney said, noting Washington has been in contact with Baghdad over Iraq's efforts to defeat al-Qaida-linked groups that have been taking over parts of Fallujah and Ramadi.