US sending more special forces to help Peshmerga, Iraqi army

WASHINGTON DC - The United States is sending more Special Forces to help Iraqi and Peshmerga forces, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Tuesday.

Without specifying how many troops would go, he told the House Armed Services Committee that the  "specialized expeditionary targeting force"  would help the Iraqis and Kurds fight the Islamic State group (ISIS or ISIL).

"These special operators will over time be able to conduct raids, free hostages, gather intelligence, and capture ISIL leaders," Carter said.

They will also be available to intervene in neighboring northern Syria, which is run by the Kurds, and where Washington previously announced it is sending about 50 special operations troops in a non-combat role.

"This force will also be in a position to conduct unilateral operations into Syria," he said.

President Barack Obama has ruled out sending large-scale "boots on the ground" to Iraq or Syria.

"American special operators bring a unique suite of capabilities that make them force multipliers," Carter said.

"Where we find further opportunity to leverage such capability, we are prepared to expand it," he added.