Pentagon reinforces forces in Iraq

The US Pentagon enhanced its forces working in Iraq increased by 14,000 soldiers and thereby total number of soldiers reached 152,000. Consequently the number reached for the second time its highest level since the invasion of Iraq.

Deputy director of the regional operations in the joint army chief department Gen. Carter Ham justified to reporters at the Pentagon that this increase shows the care to ensure extra security measures during the referendum on the new Iraqi constitution due on October 15.

However, the general added that the Iraqi security forces will carry out the main role in protecting the voting operation, noting that the American forces will provide support for the Iraqi army.

The official at the Pentagon considered that it is premature to predict the size of the American forces in Iraq in December, because this will be linked to the results of the referendum.

Worthy mentioning that the American army had increased the number of its forces positioned in Iraq from 138,000 to 159,000 during the elections which were held on January this year.