DHAKA: The US is to send up to 450 military advisers to Iraq to help train local forces fighting Islamic State.

President Obama made the decision following a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, the White House said.

The troops will be deployed to the Taqaddum military base in Anbar province. IS seized Ramadi - the capital of Anbar - in May.

It has made gains across the region despite US-led coalition air strikes, reports the BBC.

The move is aimed at enabling more Iraqis - mostly Sunni tribal volunteers - to integrate into the Iraq army and reclaim territory from Islamic State.

“These new advisers will work to build capacity of Iraqi forces, including local tribal fighters, to improve their ability to plan, lead, and conduct operations” against IS in Anbar, the White House statement added.

BDST: 0928 HRS, JUNE 11, 2015
BD