US to deploy special forces to Iraq to raise pressure on Islamic State

The US is to deploy special forces to Iraq in order to further increase pressure on Islamic State militants, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter has said.

The force will work “in full co-ordination with the government of Iraq” as well as unilaterally in Syria, carrying out raids and actions to free hostages and capture members of the IS leadership.

No specifics on troop numbers or timings were given, but Carter said the “specialised expeditionary targeting force” would be focused on securing Iraq’s borders and improving the capacity of Iraq’s own military as it fights to take back territory lost to IS in 2004.

Over the past two years, the US has deployed special forces in Iraq and Syria on a number of occasions to fulfil various specific roles. However, this announcement implies the Pentagon is looking to make their role in Iraq a more permanent fixture in the battle against IS and escalates the US’ role in the conflict.

Carter’s comments came in remarks made to the House Armed Services Committee in Washington on Tuesday.

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