US military commanders in Iraq are devising plans to move American troops closer to frontlines as Iraqi forces gear up to retake the northern city of Mosul from Daesh (ISIL) terrorists, Pentagon officials say.
It would be a significant change of role for US soldiers, who have been deployed back to Iraq on a “train-and-advise” mission, according to The Hill.
US forces are currently working with Iraqi security forces at the division-level or above and President Barack Obama has pledged that they will be kept out of direct combat.
However, the new plans would put small US teams of about 15 troops alongside Iraqi brigades as they establish headquarters in preparation for what is expected to be a fierce battle for Mosul.
Mosul, the capital of Nineveh, has been the main seat of Daesh since the Takfiri group began its terror activities in Iraq in June 2014.
Iraqi commanders say the offensive would require between eight to 12 brigades — which means…