INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey: US Defense Secretary Ash Carter travelled to Turkey Tuesday, looking for new ways the US-led coalition can strengthen its fight against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

Carter says he'll be asking military commanders and officials to suggest new tactics that can be used to attack IS, and identify new contributions coalition partners can make to accelerate the destruction of the insurgent group.

Speaking to reporters traveling with him, Carter said the US wants Turkey to better control its border with Syria, which could help block the flow of foreign fighters.

And, he said, "We want Turkish forces to join in the air and on the ground as appropriate."

Carter left the US immediately after meeting with President Barack Obama and the National Security Council at the Pentagon Monday.