US to send 200 more troops, Apache helicopters, to Iraq

April 19, 2016 00:57

The US has agreed to deploy more than 200 additional troops to Iraq and to send Apache helicopters for the first time into the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq, the first major increase in US forces in nearly

a year, US defense officials said today.

The uptick in American fighting forces and the decision to put them closer to the front lines is designed to help Iraqi forces as they move to retake the key northern city of Mosul.

Speaking to reporters Monday in Baghdad, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said the decision to move US advisers to the Iraqi brigade and battalion level will put them "closer to the action," but he said they will have security forces with them and the US will try to reduce the risks.

A senior US official said that eight Apache helicopters will be authorized to help the Iraqi forces when Iraq leaders determine they need them. The official was not authorized to discuss the numbers publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity.

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