‘No combat mission:’ US ready to strike Syria, may use up to 1,600 troops to fight ISIS in Iraq

RT USA
Sept 16, 2014

Reuters/Mohammad Ismail

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the US Central Command has a plan to take “targeted actions against ISIS safe havens in Syria,” including striking infrastructure. Hagel also unveiled a plan to boost Iraqi forces by 1,600 US “military advisers.”

The US will also train and equip 5,000 members of the Syrian opposition to fight the militants from the Islamic State group, previously known as ISIS and ISIL. However, Hagel said that this number will not be enough to turn the tide at this stage and might be boosted later.

The plan to strike Syria was confirmed by General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“We will be prepared to strike ISIL targets in Syria that degrade ISIL’s capabilities,” General Dempsey said during Wednesday’s hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Washington will not look to unleash a “shock and awe” campaign of airstrikes in Syria against Islamic State fighters, he however noted – rather it would be a “persistent and sustainable campaign.”

Hagel has ruled out putting any troops on the ground for the moment, but did say that some of the 1,600 American “military advisers” deployed in Iraq since June may get involved into direct fight with the ISIS.

“American forces will not have a combat mission,” Hagel said. “The troops deployed will support Iraqi and Kurdish forces.”

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[hat tip: The Anti Media]