U.S. to Send Over 200 More Soldiers to Iraq to Help Retake Mosul
By MICHAEL R. GORDONMARCH 27, 2017
WASHINGTON — The United States is sending more than 200 additional soldiers to Iraq to support the Iraqi
military’s push to retake western Mosul from the Islamic State, military officials said on Monday.
The infantry companies, military officials said, will protect the United States’ continuing effort to advise
and assist Iraqi forces as they push into western Mosul.
The troops, about 240 soldiers in all, are from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C.,
and will reinforce the more than 5,000 troops the United States already has in Iraq.
The Marine artillery unit is providing firepower for the offensive to take the Tabqa Dam
and cut off the western approaches to Raqqa, which is being carried out by Syrian fighters backed by the United States.
The deployment includes two Army infantry companies and one platoon equipped to clear away roadside bombs.
The deployment reflects the leeway the Trump administration has given commanders
to move forces into the battle zone without lengthy review in Washington.