Obama: The Deployment of Special Forces to Iraq is for Targeted Strikes Against ISIS

The President of the United States states that the new military force being sent for specific missions to Iraq does not mean preparations for a large-scale offensive, but is part of targeted pressures aimed at destroying the Islamic State group. Two days prior to Obama's statements, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that it would send fresh troops to Iraq capable of conducting attacks, rescuing hostages, gathering intelligence, and capturing ISIS leaders. In an interview with CBS News on December 3, Obama stated that the deployment of these individuals does not signify preparations for a large-scale offensive in Iraq or Syria; 'When I said I am not sending ground troops, I think the American people understood my point, that we are not going to occupy Iraq and Syria like we did in Iraq in 2003 with battalions of troops moving through the deserts.' He added, 'What I have always clearly stated is this: We will apply targeted pressure on ISIS and ultimately destroy this group. And for this, we need military components.' According to Reuters, on Wednesday, Colonel Steve Warren, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Defense, announced the possibility of sending 100 soldiers to Iraq. Despite the reports about the preparation for the deployment of new military forces to Iraq, reactions within the country do not indicate much support from the Baghdad government. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi emphasized on Thursday that his country has not requested the presence of foreign ground forces. The Prime Minister's statement was published on his Facebook page following Colonel Warren's remarks. Previously, the Iraqi Prime Minister had made similar statements, although it remains unclear whether he is generally opposed to the extensive presence of foreign soldiers or specifically against the presence of any soldiers or small groups of foreign forces. The United States currently has a group of its military forces stationed in Iraq; some are responsible for the security of American facilities and citizens, while others are engaged in training or advisory roles. Meanwhile, Reuters had previously reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that discussions had taken place with the Iraqi government regarding the new plan before it was announced, and Baghdad's agreement was ultimately obtained. The U.S. President emphasized in his CBS interview that special forces alone are not capable of fighting the so-called 'Islamic State' group, but they can gather more intelligence, cooperate with local forces, and assist in airstrikes. A coalition led by the United States has been conducting airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and against this group and some other extremist groups in Syria for over a year.