WASHINGTON – Reports Thursday indicated that the Iraqi government has requested American drones to help put down recent violent attacks from Al Qaeda forces.
According to the Washington Post, Iraq requested 10 reconnaissance drones and Hellfire missiles from the U.S. to help with waves of attacks perpetrated by al Qaeda and its affiliates. United Nations estimates say thousands of Iraqis have been killed in ongoing armed violence in 2013.
Earlier Thursday, the U.S. marked ten years of U.S. Government assistance to Iraq for Conventional Weapons Destruction, including Humanitarian Mine Action, and “are proud of the programs and partnerships that enable countless Iraqi citizens to live and work in their communities more safely.” The United States has invested more than $235 million in Iraq since 2003 toward the clearance and safe disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and excess conventional weapons and munitions.
