U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced on Monday in Baghdad that his country will soon send 560 additional troops to Iraq to help Iraqi forces in the recapture of Mosul, the stronghold of Islamic State in the Arab country.
Speaking to the press and U.S. military personnel deployed in Iraq, Carter explained that the troops will be sent to Qayyarah Airfield West.
The secretary of defense added that “the United States, along with our coalition partners, will continue to do all we can to support Iraq’s effort.”
According to a statement by the Iraqi defense ministry, Carter promised during meetings with Iraqi officials that the United States will provide all necessary support to meet the needs of Iraqi forces and to accelerate the process of liberating Mosul.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi said Iraqi forces have already made significant progress to liberate Mosul, stressing that international support is needed to address the problem of displaced people.
Carter arrived in Baghdad on Monday on a surprise visit to discuss with Iraqi officials the fight against IS.