article_snippet: Iraq requested the strikes, which began Wednesday and are 'ongoing,' according to a senior official.
article_snippet: Iraq began the offensive in early March without requesting US air support, even as Iraq welcomed help from Iran.
article_snippet: Iraq pointedly did not request US air support when Iraq launched the offensive in early March and recently, the offensive has lost momentum.
highlights_snippet: Iraq requested the airstrikes to support an offensive begun in early March .
  
highlights_snippet: At the outset of the offensive, the Iraqi forces declined US-led coalition support though it looked to Iran for weapons and artillery .
  