More US Troops May Be Headed to Iraq
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iStock Editorial/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) — U.S. troop levels in Iraq could top 1,000 if the Pentagon follows through on a plan to add more soldiers in an effort to better secure State Department facilities in Baghdad from possible attack by Islamic State militants.
A formal request to add 300 troops must come from the White House before the Pentagon can deploy more personnel to Iraq.
It’s likely the Obama administration will act soon, given the growing threat to Americans by ISIS, particularly after the execution of U.S. journalist James Foley.
There are currently 700 American forces in Iraq, many of whom are protecting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and other offices where State Department officials reside.
Some troops are also stationed in the Kurdish city of Erbil, a possible target of ISIS, although U.S. airstrikes have driven back the militants.
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