A surprise change in policy from the USA, and even more surprising from Germany.
Reports are emerging that both countries have ground forces active in the battle against ISIS in Iraq.
As quoted on the Daily Mail website - a Peshmerga commander said 'Yes, German and American forces are on the ground here. They are helping to support us in the attack.'
This is a dramatic development which can only raise the moral of the Peshmerga, and Iraqi Government forces in their struggle to beat back ISIS.
Very few details are known, however special forces may be assisting in co ordinating with airpower, and hunting down ISIS targets.
Of course it is possible the reports are not accurate, and any Americans or Germans there are either "lost" or "on holiday" as per the Russian Army in Ukraine.
All for now.