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 Ships like the USS George H.W. Hundreds... (Associated Press) 
 
 Dozens climbed into the back of army trucks, chanting Shiite slogans and hoisting assault rifles, pledging to join the nation's beleaguered security forces to battle the Sunni group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which has launched a lightning advance across the country. Jawad al-Bolani, a lawmaker and former Cabinet minister close to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, said a military offensive was underway Saturday to drive the insurgents from Tikrit, Saddam's hometown north of Baghdad, although fighting in the area could not be confirmed. “We are ready to help Iraq within the framework of international law, and if the Iraqi government and nation ask us to do so, we will consider it,” he said.
– Earlier this week, Sunni militants aligned with al-Qaeda captured so much of Iraq so quickly that they seemed poised to roll into Baghdad, too. But the movement seems to have stalled about 60 miles to the north, reports the New York Times. The Iraqi army has actually won back some territory earlier claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Gen. Major-General Qassim al-Moussawi tells Reuters. And another general declares that "the security in Baghdad is 100% stable." Other developments: Volunteers: Hundreds of young volunteers in Baghdad have heeded a call from Iraq's top Shiite cleric to take up arms, reports AP. "By God's will, we will be victorious," says one. "We will not be stopped by the ISIL or any other terrorists." Iran: President Hassan Rouhani says Iran is "ready to help Iraq" as soon as Iraqi authorities request it, reports the Washington Post. US military: The Pentagon ordered an aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf to give President Obama more options as he weighs an American response, reports al.com.