By Countney Kube, NBC News–
BAGHDAD — The U.S. will deploy an additional 560 troops to Iraq within the next few weeks, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday.
Carter made the announcement during an unannounced visit to Baghdad, saying the troops will deploy for infrastructure and logistical support at Qayara airfield south of Mosul. The troops have already received their warning orders to deploy.
Iraqi forces recaptured the strategically-located base on Saturday from ISIS. The airfield could prove a critical asset in the impending operation to wrest Mosul from ISIS’ grip.
The fight for Mosul was described by one senior defense official ahead of Carter’s trip as “the fight for Iraq… the culminating battle.”
President Barack Obama has approved the additional deployment announced Monday, which will bring the total number of U.S. servicemen in Iraq to around 4,600.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.