US may expand training role of Iraq military advisers
WASHINGTON - Any Iraqi request for more American military advisers or trainers to help the country's security forces fight Islamic State militants would be considered, senior US officials said Tuesday.
The issue was discussed in meetings that deputy White House national security adviser Antony Blinken and other US officials had with top Iraqi officials last week on a trip to Baghdad and other parts of the country.
The United States has about 1,400 military advisers and diplomatic security personnel in Iraq. Senior administration officials said that, based on discussions with the Iraqis, US officials are looking at where advisers can be helpful, and whether there is more they can do in terms of training.
