WASHINGTON: The US President Barack Obama has announced that he will send about 200 more troops to Iraq to protect US citizens and the US embassy in Baghdad, bringing the total number of American forces in Iraq nearly 800.
In a letter to Congress, the president notified House and Senate leaders about the deployment amid the escalating crisis in the region.
Obama said the additions include security forces, rotary-wing aircraft, and support for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
“In light of the security situation in Baghdad, I have ordered up to approximately 200 additional US Armed Forces personnel to Iraq to reinforce security at the US Embassy, its support facilities, and the Baghdad International Airport,” Obama said in the letter.
“This force is deploying for the purpose of protecting US citizens and property, if necessary, and is equipped for combat,” the US president added.
