The U.S. will deploy a new
special operations force to the Middle East to help fight
Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, Defense Secretary Ash
Carter said Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.
Carter told the House Armed Services Committee that over
time, these special operators will be able to conduct raids,
free hostages, gather intelligence and capture Islamic State
leaders. Carter said that will improve intelligence and
generate more targets for attacks.
Carter did not offer troop numbers amid a growing call from
some Republicans for more U.S. ground forces and a divide
among war-weary Americans about the prospect of greater
military involvement.
He said the number in the expeditionary force will be
"larger" than 50 but would not be more specific and didn't say
exactly where they would be based.
There currently are about 3,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, and
President Barack Obama had previously announced he was sending
fewer than 50 special operations forces to Syria.
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