Story highlights Iraqi official says no need for foreign ground troops, military activities need Baghdad's OK

Ash Carter testified Tuesday before the House Armed Services Committee

In his remarks, he said the U.S. military was sending "a specialized expeditionary targeting force" to Iraq

(CNN) Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced Tuesday that the U.S. military will send "a specialized expeditionary targeting force" aimed at conducting more raids in Iraq.

A U.S. official tells CNN that decision means there will be additional U.S. Special Operation forces on the ground in Iraq to fight ISIS.

Carter made the remarks testifying before the House Armed Services Committee.

"Next, in full coordination with the government of Iraq, we're deploying a specialized expeditionary targeting force to assist Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces and to put even more pressure on ISIL," Carter said. "These special operators will over time be able to conduct raids, free hostages, gather intelligence and capture ISIL leaders."

The force is in addition to the "less than 50" Special Operations forces Obama authorized in October to aid in the fight against ISIS in Syria.

Read More