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US troops will stay in Iraq indefinitely: Report
Washington, July 15: Security concerns mean some 9,000 troops from the US Army`s 3rd Infantry Division will remain in Iraq indefinitely, US Army officials told.
Washington, July 15: Security concerns mean some 9,000 troops from the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division will remain in Iraq indefinitely, US Army officials told.
The 3rd Infantry Division has been in Iraq since the
start of the US-led war on March 20 and were apparently
expecting to be sent back home within the next two months.
Two political analysts yesterday said the decision to delay the return of two of the Division's brigades for an unknown length of time was "devastating" to troop morale.
At its peak, the 3rd Army Division had 16,500 troops in Iraq. Some 9,000 will be affected by the decision to delay their return, the officials said.
The army officials said US troops were needed in Iraq as security was still a major concern.
According to a tally, 37 soldiers from the 3rd Army Division have been killed during the Iraq war, more than in any other US military division.
Since the end of hostilities was officially announced on May 1, 81 US soldiers have died in Iraq-33 in hostile fire and 48 in friendly fire or accidents.
Bureau Report
Two political analysts yesterday said the decision to delay the return of two of the Division's brigades for an unknown length of time was "devastating" to troop morale.
At its peak, the 3rd Army Division had 16,500 troops in Iraq. Some 9,000 will be affected by the decision to delay their return, the officials said.
The army officials said US troops were needed in Iraq as security was still a major concern.
According to a tally, 37 soldiers from the 3rd Army Division have been killed during the Iraq war, more than in any other US military division.
Since the end of hostilities was officially announced on May 1, 81 US soldiers have died in Iraq-33 in hostile fire and 48 in friendly fire or accidents.
Bureau Report