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

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.
Last June the Obama administration announced that hundreds of troops would be deployed to help the Iraqis retake Ramadi a goal they accomplished at the end of the year.
Of the additional troops announced Monday, most would be Army special forces, who have been used throughout the anti-Islamic State campaign to advise and assist the Iraqis.

The remainder would include some trainers, security forces for the advisers, and maintenance teams for the Apaches.

The decisions reflect weeks of discussions with commanders and Iraqi leaders, and a decision by President Barack Obama to increase the authorized troop level in Iraq by 217 forces or from 3,870 to 4,087.
The advise-and-assist teams made up of about a dozen troops each accompanied by security forces would embed with Iraqi brigades and battalion, likely putting them closer to the front lines and at greater risk from mortars and rocket fire.
The US, said Carter, is "on the same page with the Iraqi government" in how to intensify the fight against the Islamic State.
The proximity to the battlefront will allow the U.S. Teams to provide more tactical combat advice as the Iraqi units move toward Mosul, the country's second-largest city, still under Islamic State control.

Until now, US advisers have worked with the Iraqis at the headquarters level, well back from the front lines.
The Apache helicopters are considered a significant aid to any attack on Mosul. Americans will fly the helicopters which provide air support to ground troops and carry precision weapons another new vulnerability for US forces.
Last December, Iraqis refused Apache helicopters for the battle to retake Ramadi, but this time officials said they believe the fast attack helicopters will add an important edge.