US Deploying 2,000 Troops to Iraq for Nine Month Period

The United States is deploying around 2,000 troops to Iraq despite Washington announcing plans to end its combat mission in the country, The New York Times reported

Soldiers from the Fourth Infantry Division will replace the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Louisiana army National Guard for a nine month period and become the primary US force for the entire country.

The Gazette, a local Colorado news outlet, reported that the soldiers will provide security and protection, assist and advise Iraqi security forces, provide air defences against attacks and train partner forces in the country.