International Shia News Agency

CBC.ca/ Obama authorizes sending 1,500 more troops to Iraq

SHAFAQNA (International Shia News Association)- U.S. President Barack Obama is authorizing the U.S. military to deploy up to 1,500 more troops to Iraq as part of the mission to combat the Islamic State group.

Obama is also asking Congress for more than $5 billion US to help fund the fight.

The White House says the troops won’t serve in a combat role, but will train, advise and assist Iraqi military and Kurdish forces fighting ISIS, also known as ISIL.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest says Obama has also authorized the additional personnel to operate at Iraqi military facilities outside Baghdad and Erbil. Until now, U.S. troops have been operating a joint operation centre setup with Iraqi forces there.

The announcement is part of a $5.6 billion funding request to Congress and came just after Obama met with congressional leaders Friday.

en.shafaqna.com

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