- US has ruled out the possibility of imminent air strikes or American soldiers in Iraq as they may cause civilian casualties, but is likely to send special forces and military advisers to obtain stronger intelligence, surveillance and train the Iraqi soldiers.
- The objective is to create joint operation forces which would share intelligence and coordinate planning to confront the threat of the ISIS terrorists advancing towards Baghdad.
- Through the new Counter-terrorism Partnership Fund, US will work with Congress to provide additional equipment and has urged Iraq’s neighbors to respect the territories of the country and prevent it from descending into a civil war
- Meanwhile the terrorists have sparked fears in the international communities and oil markets as the country is trying hard to back them off.
- After failing the initial few days, the Iraqi military now seemed to have regained control of a major refinery and making advances against the terrorist group consisting mainly of Sunni fighters, Sunni Arabs including some Saddam Hussein loyalists.
- Militants have also kidnapped many foreigners including Indians and have released 48 Turks.
- Read at: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/iraqi-forces-regain-control-of-refinery/article6131918.ece
- http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/obama-leaning-toward-sending-100-special-forces/article6131920.ece
- http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/us-to-send-300-military-advisers/article6131973.ece
Exams Perspective:
- Sectarian Violence in Iraq
- SOFA Agreement
- Counter-terrorism Partnership Fund
- Gulf War II