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More US Troops Likely in Iraq as Combat Role Evolves in War Against Daesh

© AFP 2023 / AHMAD AL-RUBAYEUS soldiers give guidance as they train Iraq's 72nd Brigade in a live-fire exercise in Basmaya base, southeast of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on January 27, 2016
US soldiers give guidance as they train Iraq's 72nd Brigade in a live-fire exercise in Basmaya base, southeast of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on January 27, 2016 - Sputnik International
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The United States will need additional troops in Iraq because its mission to support Iraqi forces against Daesh will naturally shift to a direct combat role near major cities controlled by terror group, the private intelligence firm Soufan Group said in a report on Wednesday.

President Barack Obama speaks following his tour of the Saft America factory in Jacksonville, Fla., Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 - Sputnik International
Obama Briefed on Death of US Service Member in Iraq
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States "will likely have to increase the level of combat troops, along with more air and artillery, above the 4,700 soldiers present in the country," the report added.

"The Iraqis will need more combat support as they continue their offensive against the Islamic State and US forces will require increased combat support as well," the report stated.

The rise of Daesh prompted President Barack Obama to redeploy US forces to Iraq after the exiting the country earlier in his presidency. In doing so, Obama has insisted that the US-role is limited to advising and training Iraqi troops.

However, the death of a US soldier in direct combat with Daesh earlier this week raised the prospect that US involvement is likely to intensify, especially as the loss of territory prompts terror group to intensify attacks in areas beyond its control, the report explained.

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