The Pentagon has confirmed it is deploying an additional 130 marines and special forces to Iraq. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel made the announcement at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel: “I recommended to the president, and the president has authorized me, to go ahead and send about 130 new assessment team members up to northern Iraq in the Erbil area to take a closer look and give a more in-depth assessment of where we can continue to help the Iraqis with what they’re doing and the threats that they are now dealing with.”