WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States will deploy to Iraq the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division to replace the 101st Airborne Division that has so far been training the Iraqi Security Forces, the US Army Public Affairs said in a press release on Thursday.
"The Department of the Army announced today the deployment of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division… with approximately 1,700 soldiers to US Central Command area of responsibility this winter in support of Operation Inherent Resolve," the release stated.
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team will lead the training, advising and assisting Iraqi Security Forces, the Army explained.
The 101st Airborne Division under Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky assumed command of US forces in Iraq in March.
About 5,000 US forces are now based in Iraq to support the country’s forces in the operation to recapture the city of Mosul from the Islamic State terror group.