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