U.S. Ready to Send More Force to Iraq Against Militia Threat
- Iraq must do more against Iran-backed militias, Esper says
- New attacks on embassy would be met by ‘buzz saw,’ Milley says
Iraqi counter-terrorism forces stand guard in front of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad on Jan. 2.
Photographer: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The U.S. is ready to deploy more force in Iraq if needed to defend or prevent more attacks by Iranian-backed militias, Pentagon leaders warned Thursday.
“We are prepared to exercise self-defense, and we are prepared to deter further bad behavior from these groups, all of which are sponsored and directed and resourced by Iran,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters Thursday.