Carter: At least 1 Apache helicopter used in combat in Iraq

Defense Secretary Ash Carter says that at least one US Apache helicopter has been used for the first time in combat in Iraq.

Defence secretary Ash Carter says that at least one US Apache helicopter has been used for the first time in combat in Iraq.

Defence secretary Ash Carter speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon, in Washington.(AP)

He says an Apache was used to strike an Islamic State target in the last 24 hours or so. The strike was part of the ongoing effort to encircle and eventually retake the northern city of Mosul, which is under Islamic State control.

Carter was speaking to reporters traveling with him to Brussels for a meeting of NATO defence ministers.

The U.S. has had Apache helicopters in Iraq for some time. While in Iraq in April, Carter announced the US was offering to use them in combat but any final decision on when would be up to the Iraqis.