President Barack Obama says the United States is ready for “targeted and precise military action” against Islamists in Iraq, but stressed American forces would not be returning to combat there, Radio New Zealand reports.
US ready to send 300 advisors to Iraq, but US forces 'will not be returning to combat' http://t.co/g2PU8lWex4 pic.twitter.com/oYYm6CAR7n
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At a news conference in Washington, Obama said that up to 300 military advisers would be sent to help the Iraqi government's efforts.
“American combat troops are not going to be fighting in Iraq again. We do not have the ability to simply solve this problem by sending in tens of thousands of troops.”
Obama said the US was ready for “targeted and precise military action" against Islamists in Iraq "if and when the situation on the ground requires it”.
The president said it was not the US's place to choose Iraq's leaders, but urged them to pursue an “inclusive agenda”.
That may be seen as a veiled criticism of Shia Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, who has been accused of anti-Sunni policies which have helped inflame unrest, the BBC reports.
