Pentagon leaders won’t rule out sending ground troops to Iraq

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Pentagon leaders told Congress Tuesday they can’t rule out putting U.S. combat troops on the ground if air strikes aren’t enough to wipe out Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, which includes Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AL, Hagel said the airstrikes have been effective but U.S. allies must do more to wipe out the threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The ultra-violent group has claimed large swaths of territory in Iraq while killing Christians and other ethnic minorities, as well as two American journalists that were held captive by the group.

“American military power alone cannot eradicate the threats posed by ISIL to the United States, our allies, and our friends and partners in the region,” Hagel said. Iraq’s continued political progress toward a more inclusive and representative government is critical to the strategy. The coalition will need to use all its instruments of power- military, law enforcement, economic, diplomatic, and intelligence – in coordination with countries in the region.”

Hagel said 40 nations have indicated they are willing to participate in the effort with 30 of those offering military support. The efforts will include a broader air campaign against ISIS in Iraq and extending into Syria. The U.S. will also increase support for Iraqi security forces and the moderate Syrian opposition.

The president has asked for $500 million to train and equip the opposition forces. The Pentagon will also be supplying small arms and basic equipment, as well as tactical and strategic training.

The U.S. already has hundreds of advisors on the ground in Iraq. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey told the Senate panel he cannot rule out combat troops returning to Iraq, albeit in a limited role.

“If we reach the point where I believe our advisers should accompany Iraqi troops on attacks against specific (militant) targets, I will recommend that to the president,” Dempsey said.

Such actions, he added, would be considered “close combat advising.”

President Barack Obama has maintained U.S. combat troops would not be returning to the country. U.S. ground troops left the country in 2011 after nine years.

“At this point, (the president’s) stated policy is we will not have US ground forces in direct combat,” Dempsey said. “But he has told me as well to come back to him on a case-by-case basis.”