Obama, Maliki discuss counter measures for `more active’ al-Qaeda in Iraq

London – President Barack Obama has spoken to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki on his visit to Washington on counter measures for a “more active” al-Qaeda in the latter’s country.

Maliki has reportedly asked for Apache attack helicopters and other equipments from the U.S. and expressed an “urgent” need for additional aid for Iraqi forces, the BBC reports.

However, Obama has not offered any kind of military aid, the report added.

Maliki has blamed regional power vacuums for a recent resurgence of al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Obama also stressed the importance of an inclusive and democratic Iraq.

Iraq’s bloodshed has hit a five-year high with the militant group gaining strength in the country.