In order to continue the battle against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, commonly known as ISIS), the United States is sending 1,500 soldiers to Iraq and Syria.
Yet, local governments and militias supported by Iran will also become more hostile against US forces in both nations. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
According to a report by CBS News, the soldiers are from the New Jersey Army National Guard and received a farewell ceremony from Governor Phil Murphy on Monday. This is the largest deployment of the state’s National Guard since 2008.
The soldiers will undergo training at Fort Bliss in Texas before heading to the Middle East, where they will provide security and logistical support to US and coalition forces.
The deployment comes amid a surge of attacks on US bases and personnel in Iraq and Syria by groups aligned with Iran, which opposes the US presence in the region. Since the start of the war in Gaza last month, US forces have been targeted at least 130 times by rockets, drones, and roadside bombs.
The US has blamed Iran for orchestrating the attacks and has responded with airstrikes and sanctions. Iran has denied any involvement and has vowed to retaliate.
The US troops will also face challenges from the governments of Iraq and Syria, which have called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from their territories. The Syrian government considers the US an “occupying” power and has accused it of supporting terrorist groups.
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, said last week that he wants a “quick” exit of US forces and a timetable for their departure.
The US has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, mainly to assist local forces in combating ISIS. The US says its presence is necessary to prevent the resurgence of the extremist group, which once controlled large parts of both countries.
The US also says it is committed to respecting the sovereignty and stability of Iraq and Syria and to de-escalating tensions with Iran. CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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