美国国防部每日通讯

U. S. Department of Defense Daily News

DOD Continues Security Assistance at State Department's Request

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2014 - At the request of the State Department, the Defense Department continues to provide security assistance for U.S. Embassy personnel in Iraq, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said today.

Over the weekend, a number of teams totaling about 170 U.S. personnel began arriving in Baghdad from within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Kirby said in a statement. DOD also has moved about 100 personnel into the region to provide airfield management, security and logistics support, if required, he added. "All of these forces are trained to integrate with existing U.S. Embassy security teams or operate as a standalone force as directed," the press secretary said.

Kirby said the safety of people serving in diplomatic missions abroad is among the Defense Department's highest priorities. "The presence of these additional forces will help enable the State Department to continue their critical diplomatic mission and work with Iraqis on challenges they are facing," he added.