Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States plans to send advanced attack helicopters to help Iraq quell the Sunni revolt.

The administration of President Barack Obama has approved the lease of six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters for the Iraqi military.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the project included training for Iraqi pilots in missions against Al Qaida and its Sunni allies in the Anbar province.

“The proposed sale supports the strategic interests of the United States by providing Iraq with a critical capability to protect itself from terrorist and conventional threats,” the Pentagon agency said on Jan. 27.

“This will allow Iraqi Security Forces to begin training on the operation and maintenance of six leased U.S. Apache helicopters in preparation of their receipt of new-build aircraft.”

Officials said the deal, valued at $1.37 billion, would result in the deployment of nearly 100 U.S. military and contractors to train and maintain the Apaches. They said the Apaches were expected to arrive in Iraq imminently as part of an effort to recapture such Anbar cities as Falluja and Ramadi.

“These helicopters will go into immediate use in Iraq, with significant
help from the United States,” an official said.

The Iraqi request, approved by Congress, included 152 AGM-114 K-A
Hellfire air-to-ground missiles. The U.S. Army made
extensive use of the Apaches and Hellfires during operations in Anbar in
2004 through 2007.

  AH-64 Apache, Al Qaida, Anbar province, U.S. leasing six Apache attack helicopters to Iraq