Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States, concerned over Islamic State of Iraq and Levant infiltration, has bolstered force protection in Iraq.

Officials said the military, supported by President Barack Obama, has requested additional forces to protect the U.S. presence in Iraq.

The officials said the troops would be required to secure the U.S. embassy as well as Baghdad International Airport amid the threat by ISIL.

“The president has made clear his commitment to doing whatever is required to provide the necessary security for U.S. personnel and facilities around the world,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

On Sept. 2, Obama ordered an additional 350 troops in Iraq. The White House said a total of 405 soldiers, some of them replacing current troops, would be sent to Baghdad.

“The additional joint forces will come from within the U.S. Central Command area of operations and will include a headquarters element, medical personnel, associated helicopters, and an air liaison team,” the Defense Department said.

The Pentagon said Obama’s decision would increase the number of U.S. troops in Iraq to 802. This marked the third expansion of the U.S. military presence in Iraq since June 2014, when the president, who pledged a limit of 300 additional troops, ordered help to Baghdad to stop ISIL’s drive from the north.

Officials said the U.S. military was concerned over an ISIL suicide bombing campaign against American targets in Baghdad. They cited the deployment of U.S. fighter-jets, air transports and unmanned aerial vehicles
at Baghdad International Airport.

“The president’s action today will result in a net increase of approximately 350 additional military personnel on the ground in Baghdad providing security at the Baghdad Embassy Compound and its support facilities,” the Pentagon said.

The United States has allocated nearly 400 troops to man two joint operations centers with the Iraqi military. The centers have been operating in Baghdad as well as Irbil, the latter a key target in ISIL’s sweep through the autonomous region of Kurdistan.

“This action was taken at the recommendation of the Department of Defense after an extensive interagency review, and is part of the president’s commitment to protect our personnel and facilities in Iraq as we continue to support the government of Iraq in its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant,” the White House said.

  Baghdad airport, ISIL, Josh Earnest, More U.S. troops headed for Iraq in Obama’s third force expansion since June, U.S. Central Command