US troops deploy to Iraq’s Anbar Province

U.S. troops have arrived in Anbar Province in Iraq, often a site of heavy fighting, marking a new phase in U.S. involvement in the campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). 

“I can confirm that approximately 50 U.S. military personnel are visiting Al-Asad Air Base to conduct a site survey of facilities for potential future use as an advise and assist operation location in support of Iraq Security Forces,” spokeswoman commander Elissa Smith told Agence France-Presse. 

Smith said the mission is limited to surveying the site and not about providing arms. 

“U.S. forces are not arming tribes in the region; this is a matter for the government of Iraq and the ISF,” she said.

President Obama last week expanded U.S. involvement in Iraq, announcing plans to send 1,500 more troops. The new plan will also expand the U.S. presence outside of the cities of Baghdad and Erbil, as the U.S. advises Iraqi forces. 

The Pentagon said Monday, though, that the new troops would not be sent until Congress approves a $5.6 billion funding request. 

Anbar Province was the site of much of the fighting during the Iraq War, so U.S. troops returning there carries some symbolic value for the U.S. re-engagement. 

Anbar will also be home to a training site for Iraqi forces.