|
WASHINGTON, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon announced on Monday it would deploy an additional 560 troops to Iraq to fight the extremist group the Islamic State (IS).
"The additional troops will provide a range of support for Iraqi Security Forces, including infrastructure and logistical capabilities at the airfield near Qayyarah," said a Pentagon statement, adding that announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter during his visit to Iraq.
"As the campaign shifts toward Mosul, more than 250 miles from the Iraqi capital, the airfield will become a vital springboard for the ISF offensive into Mosul," said the statement.
The latest increase of U.S. troops in Iraq brings the total U.S. troops there to 4,647. Enditem
