Washington, February 12 (RHC)-- U.S. President Barack Obama has sent Congress a formal request to authorize military force against the Islamic State six months after the United States began bombing Iraq and Syria.

The resolution imposes a three-year limit on U.S. operations, but does not put any geographical constraints. It also opens the door for ground combat operations in limited circumstances.

Unveiling the resolution on Wednesday, Obama said it does not herald another Middle East ground war, saying it does not call for the deployment of U.S. ground forces to Iraq or Syria. Observers say that the resolution, while not specifically calling for "boots on the ground," could leave the door open for the possibility of troop engagement.