The United States is deploying “specialised” troops in Iraq to fight the Islamic State group, including by leading raids against the jihadists over the border in Syria, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said on Tuesday.
Speaking to the House Armed Services Committee, the Pentagon chief said that a “specialised expeditionary targeting force” was being deployed in Iraq to help Iraqi and Kurdish Peshmerga forces battle ISIS.
“American special operators bring a unique suite of capabilities that make them force multipliers,” Carter said. “Where we find further opportunity to leverage such capability, we are prepared to expand it.”
He said the special forces would also be able to intervene in neighboring Syria, where Washington has already announced it is sending about 50 special operations troops.
“These special operators will over time be able to conduct raids, free hostages, gather intelligence, and capture ISIS leaders,” he said.