News / Military

US may need ground troops in Iraq: Hagel

Saturday, 31 January 2015 4:30 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 31 January 2015 4:31 AM ]

Chuck Hagel says the US may need to use non-combat troops in Iraq to gather intelligence on ISIL.

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the Pentagon may have to use non-combat troops on ground in Iraq to fight the ISIL Takfiri terrorists.

"I think it may require a forward deployment of some of our troops ...," the outgoing military official told CNN on Friday. "I would say we're not there yet. Whether we get there or not, I don't know."

These non-combat troops might be needed to play certain roles including gathering intelligence and spotting ISIL terrorists, said Hagel who announced his resignation under pressure in November.

We need these troops not for “fighting” or “combat” but “to help airstrike precision... locate. Those are things where we could continue support.”

“It could be necessary," Hagel said. "It could be, but I’m not willing to say that it will be necessary.”

Hagel went on to say that President Barack Obama has told both Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Lloyd Austin, commander of US Central Command, to approach him if they think it is necessary to resort to military options in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The ISIL terrorists, who were initially trained by the CIA in Jordan in 2012 to destabilize the Syrian government, are engaged in crimes against humanity in the areas under their control.

They have been carrying out horrific acts of violence such as public decapitations and crucifixions against all communities, including Shias, Sunnis, Kurds, and Christians.

ISIL started its campaign of terror in Iraq in early June 2014. The heavily-armed militants took control of Mosul before sweeping through parts of the country.

AT/GJH

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