Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States plans to sell munitions for Iraq’s main battle tank fleet which sustained heavy losses to the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant this summer..

The State Department has approved an Iraqi request for munitions for the U.S.-origin M1A1 fleet. Under the request, the Iraq Army would receive nearly 50,000 shells for an unspecified number of Abrams.

“The proposed sale of the ammunition and support will advance Iraq’s efforts to develop an integrated ground defense capability to support a strong national defense,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

“This will enable the Iraqi government to sustain its efforts to establish and maintain stability.”

The Iraqi request was the second that sought to compensate for losses in the offensive by ISIL in June 2014. ISIL seized thousands of U.S.-origin MBTs, armored personnel carriers, artillery and combat vehicles from Iraq Army bases around the northern city of Mosul.

Baghdad has also sought to replenish its supply of AGM-114K Hellfire missiles. In July, Iraq submitted a request for 5,000 Hellfire missiles in a proposed $700 million deal.

In a statement on Oct. 20, DSCA said the latest Iraqi request was worth $600 million. The request cited 120 mm shells, produced by General Dynamics Ordnance Tactical Systems, identified as the prime contractor.

“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of U.S. government and contractor representatives to Iraq,” DSCA said. “There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”

  Abrams, ISIL, M1A1, MBT, U.S. set to sell emergency ammo for Iraq’s remaining U.S. tanks, WorldTribune.com