Obama Authorizes Additional Troops to Iraq
350 military to protect personnel in Baghdad
President Barack Obama has authorized a State Department request for additional troops in Iraq.
Obama ordered approximately 350 additional military personnel be sent to Iraq "to protect our diplomatic facilities and personnel in Baghdad," according to a Tuesday statement from the office of the White House press secretary. The statement notes that the troops will not be serving in a combat role upon arrival.
The Defense Department confirmed that 405 troops will be deployed to Iraq, allowing for 55 military personnel who have been in Iraq since June to redeploy outside of the country and resulting in a net increase of 350 troops on the ground.
"This action was taken at the recommendation of the Department of Defense after an extensive interagency review, and is part of the President's commitment to protect our personnel and facilities in Iraq as we continue to support the Government of Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant," according to the White House statement.
