25 April, HANOVER, Germany:
President Barack Obama on Monday said the US would send up to 250 more military personnel including special forces to Syria to help rebels fight Islamic State group jihadists.
Obama was in Germany for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, and both were to be joined later by the leaders of Britain, France and Italy in a meeting expected to focus on the fight against the IS in Syria and Iraq.
In a speech on transatlantic unity, Obama hailed NATO partners’ progress so far in pushing back IS, which he called “the most urgent threat to our nations”.
“A small number of American special operations forces are already on the ground in Syria and their expertise has been critical as local forces have driven ISIL out of key areas,” he said, using an alternative acronym for the militant group.
“So, given the success, I have approved the deployment of up to 250 additional US personnel in Syria, including special forces, to keep up this momentum,” added Obama, speaking in the northern city of Hanover.
“They’re not going to be leading the fight on the ground, but they will be essential in providing the training, in assisting local forces as they continue to drive ISIL back.
“These terrorists will learn the same lessons that others before them have, which is: your hatred is no match for our nations, united in defence of our way of life.” AFP
