More U.S. Troops Sent To Northern Iraq

The U.S. is increasing its military presence in Iraq by sending another 130 troops to the country.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel made the announcement while speaking to troops at Camp Pendleton, California today. Hagel said the additional soldiers arrived in the area around the city of Erbil.

The Pentagon released a statement saying the additional troops were sent to Northern Iraq to assist in the humanitarian mission in support of Iraqis trapped on a mountain by Islamist militants.

The Pentagon already has 250 military personnel in Iraq in advisory roles. About 90 are studying the strength of the Islamic State militant group's fighters and the Iraqi government forces, and another 160 are advising Iraqi forces on military operations.

(Metro Networks Inc.)