Pentagon officials have announced the United States is deploying more special operations troops to Iraq and Syria. Speaking to Congress Tuesday, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said the U.S. special forces are authorized to conduct raids, gather intelligence, free hostages and capture members of ISIS. He also said the troops would conduct unilateral operations inside Syria. Facing questions from Virginia Republican Rep. Randy Forbes, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford acknowledged the U.S. is not technically at war in Iraq or Syria, even as the military ramps up combat operations.

Rep. Randy Forbes: “You heard the secretary of defense today say both in writing and verbally that we are at war. Who declared that war?”

Gen. Joseph Dunford: “Chairman, or Representative Forbes, I think what the secretary is saying, because we discussed this, is we view the fight against ISIL as a threat to the United States, and we are mobilizing all of the military capabilities that are necessary”—

Rep. Randy Forbes: “Who would have actually made that declaration? Is that something you would make, the secretary would make, a lawyer would?”

Gen. Joseph Dunford: “If it was a technical declaration of war, it would be the Congress.”

Rep. Randy Forbes: “But has that declaration been made?”

Gen. Joseph Dunford: “No, it has not.”

Rep. Randy Forbes: “So, then, how does the secretary say we’re at war?”

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter “Can the secretary say—say for himself?”

Rep. Randy Forbes: “I understand, but I only have five minutes.”

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter “Well, I’m just going to tell you. I’m—by doing that, I’m not being technical.”

Rep. Randy Forbes: “Chairman, I would ask the secretary, if he wants to elaborate, he can do it in writing. He’s taking my five minutes. General Dunford, can you tell me if—as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, if you know?”

Gen. Joseph Dunford: “We are technically not at war, Representative Forbes.”