Washington, June 21 (RHC)-- While the Barack Obama administration is sending up to 300 military advisers to fight against the Sunni uprising that has taken over large parts of Iraq, the U.S. president is also considering launching military strikes at the Iraqi government’s request.

According to The New York Times, "a senior administration official" said the potential U.S. bombing campaign "could be extended into neighboring Syria."

In comments this week at the White House, Obama said he is not pushing for the resignation of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, but renewed calls for Maliki to abandon a sectarian-focused rule.

Secretary of State John Kerry is visiting the Middle East and Europe this weekend for talks with U.S. allies. Iraqi troops, meanwhile, are massing north of Baghdad for a potential offensive to retake captured towns from Sunni militants.