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From Washington, this is VOA news. The United States dispatches military advisers to Iraq. The head of NATO says Russia has resumed a troop build-up along its border with Ukraine. I'm Ira Mellman reporting from Washington.
President Barack Obama is dispatching up to 300 military advisers to help quell the rising insurgency in the crumbling nation of Iraq. He called on Iraqi leaders to govern with more inclusive agenda to ensure the country does not descend into civil war. "In recent days, we've positioned additional U.S. military assets in the region. Because of our increased intelligence resources, we're developing more information about potential targets associated with ISIL. And going forward, we will be prepared to take targeted and precise military action, if and when we determine that the situation on the ground requires it. If we do, I will consult closely with Congress and leaders in Iraq and in the region. I want to emphasize, though, that the best and most effective response to a threat like ISIL will ultimately involve partnerships where local forces, like Iraqis, take the lead." Though not specifically mentioning air strikes, Mr. Obama said he was leaving open the possibility of targeted and precise military action in the future. He said the U.S. would also increase its intelligence efforts in Iraq and create joint operation centers in Baghdad and northern Iraq. When coupled with previously announced steps, the president's actions could put about 600 additional U.S. troops back on the ground in Iraq. The 300 military advisers he announced Thursday would join about 275 others being positioned in and around Iraq to provide security and support for the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and other American interests. Conflicting and unconfirmed reports say Iraqi government forces have lost control of large chunks of the town of Beiji and its sprawling oil refinery, the largest refinery in the country. Edward Yeranian is monitoring the situation for VOA from Cairo. Amateur video shows a convoy of Sunni ISIL militants honking their vehicles as they entered the oil refinery town of Beiji. But it is not clear how much of the town the militants control. Witnesses say black ISIL flags are flying from watchtowers surrounding the refinery. Iraq's Sharqiya TV reported fighting was taking place near the plant's main control room and several oil tanks were on fire. A government security commander claimed to be inside the plant in a phone interview with state-run Al-Iraqiya TV. Edward Yeranian, for VOA news, Cairo. The head of NATO says Russia has resumed a troop build-up along its border with Ukraine, as Ukraine's president announced that he will sign an association agreement with the European Union. NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said in Brussels that "at least a few thousand more" Russian troops had been deployed in what he said was "a new Russian military build-up" around the Ukrainian border. He called it "a very regrettable step backwards." In Kenya, officials say security forces have shot dead five people suspected of involvement in deadly attacks that killed more than 60 people in a coastal town earlier this week. The Kenyan Interior Ministry said the five suspects were killed while escaping in Lamu County, where the attacks took place. It said several guns and some ammunition were recovered at the scene. Earlier this week, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta rejected claims that Somali militants were behind the attacks although the militant group al-Shabab claimed responsibility. Kenyatta said the attacks were well planned, orchestrated and politically motivated ethnic violence against the Kenyan community and accused local political networks of involvement. The United States has canceled a regional military exercise in Uganda, cutting funding to the African nation and taking other punitive measures that responds to a new law that outlaws homosexuality. The Obama administration announced Thursday that the measures are targeted at those responsible for abuses related to the anti-gay law. Checking World Cup action, Colombia moved closer to reaching the final round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. England was beaten [by Sao Paulo] by Uruguay by a score of 2-1. And Greece and Japan tied at nil. I'm Ira Mellman, VOA news. That's the latest world news from VOA. |