The United States on Tuesday said it was deploying new special operations troops to Iraq conduct raids against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.
The decision has already been rejected by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi who said deployment of such force was unacceptable without prior Iraqi approval.
In a statement released shortly after the US announcement, Mr Abadi said,
The US Defence Secretary Ash Carter said,
“The Iraqi government stresses that any military operation or the deployment of any foreign forces - special or not - in any place in Iraq cannot happen without its approval and coordination and full respect of Iraqi sovereignty.”
“These special operators will over time be able to conduct raids, free hostages, and gather intelligence and capture ISIL leaders. This force will also be in a position to conduct unilateral operations into Syria.”
The force is expected to consist of 200 US personnel, reports Reuters.
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