US Vice-President Joe Biden has pledged support for Turkey's efforts to secure the release of its personnel taken hostage by Iraqi militants. In a phone conversation with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said Washington was "prepared" to support Ankara’s efforts to rescue the hostages and would stay in "close touch" with both Turkish and Iraqi governments to address the worsening security situation in Iraq. This comes amid the US preparing to send new aid to Iraq to help combat rebels in the country’s north.