President Barack Obama has authorized sending 350 additional military servicemembers to Iraq to help protect U.S. personnel and facilities following a Department of State request, according to a White House press release. The Department of State requested the increased military personnel following an interagency review, and the troops will be used for security and support of the Iraqi government. They will not serve in combat roles, however.
More military support in Baghdad
While the current number of troops in Iraq is 763, some troops will be leaving the country. Around 55 troops who have been in Iraq since June will be able to leave to other areas within the region. In total, the number of U.S. military members in Iraq once the 350 troops arrive will be roughly 820, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement. Just under half of that amount – 405 troops – will be stationed in Baghdad.
Those aren't the only military members stationed nearby U.S. facilities in Iraq. According to Military Times, sailors and marines in the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group will lengthen their stay in the Fifth Fleet region – the area just off the coast of the Middle East – for three weeks. They will be stationed in the area while Obama and government officials continue to study ways to combat Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant insurgents.
Tensions between US and ISIL grow
Obama authorized airstrikes against ISIL targets on Aug. 28 to help besieged civilians in the town of Amirli, according to a White House press release. Those airstrikes were conducted on Aug. 30. Just days later, ISIL militants released a second video beheading an American citizen, Military Times reported. Steven Sotloff – a freelance journalist – read an ISIL statement before he was murdered on screen.
"You've spent billions of U.S. taxpayers' dollars and we've lost thousands of our troops in our previous fighting against the Islamic State," Sotloff said in the video. "So where is the people's interest in reigniting this war?"
Shortly afterward, a hooded ISIL militant – similar to the person in the previous James Foley video – appeared, saying another brief message before murdering Sotloff.
"I'm back, Obama, and I'm back because of your arrogant foreign policy towards the Islamic State," the man said.
The National Security Council has stated the video is authentic, according to Military Times. Since the video's release, Obama has stated the terrorists responsible for the murder of Sotloff will be found and taken to justice.
"We will not be intimidated. Their horrific acts only unite us as a country and stiffen our resolve to take the fight against these terrorists," Obama said, according to Military Times. "And those who make the mistake of harming Americans will learn that we will not forget, and that our reach is long and that justice will be served."
ISIL militants are still holding at least one hostage – a British citizen, according to The Guardian. The government of the United Kingdom failed in rescuing the citizen during an operation earlier this year.