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Iraqi Forces to Begin Training With US-Issued Weapon Systems - General

© AP PhotoNew US-made weapons, that will be given to the Sunni tribal volunteers to fight Islamic State group militants to regain Ramadi, in Habaniyah army base, 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015
New US-made weapons, that will be given to the Sunni tribal volunteers to fight Islamic State group militants to regain Ramadi, in Habaniyah army base, 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 - Sputnik International
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According to Brigadier General Kevin Killea, Iraqi forces will be trained on the use of weapon systems that Washington plans to supply them next week in order to strengthen the military campaign against the Islamic State.

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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Iraqi forces will be trained on the use of weapon systems that Washington plans to supply them next week in order to strengthen the military campaign against the Islamic State, Brigadier General Kevin Killea, who heads the US-led coalition against the terrorist group, said on Friday.

"This week the 75th Iraqi army brigade continues their latest bloc of instruction on coalition provided weapons," Killea stated in a press conference.

Killea explained that next week, the United States will issue weapons and equipment to battalions through the government of Iraq.

"[T]his will lead to a two week training bloc on the use and maintenance of those weapons systems," Killea added.

Completing such training, he said, "will get us closer… to having a 5th Iraqi army brigade trained at a building partner capacity platform."

Killea also noted the training will provide the "necessary level of tactical proficiency to provide the Iraqi army an overall greater level of confidence in their operational capabilities."

The general’s remarks came as the Islamic State has made additional gains in Iraq, putting the US-led coalition forces on the defense.

In April, the US Congress allocated $1.6 billion in military aid for Iraq. Meanwhile, Washington has been supplying Iraqi security forces with weapons, ammunition, rockets and anti-armor vehicles, among other equipment.

The 62-nation US-led coalition against the Islamic State has conducted more than 6,400 airstrikes on the terrorist group targets since August 2014. US officials have estimated that the military campaign has eliminated 10,000 Islamic State militants.

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