Unnamed Pentagon officials say U.S. troops are playing an expanded role in the Iraqi forces’ new campaign to seize control of Mosul from the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Unnamed officials told the Associated Press that U.S. marines fired illumination rounds and artillery rounds as Iraqi troops fought for control of villages on the outskirts of the city. This comes after Pentagon officials confirmed the existence of a new Marine outpost. It also comes as the Pentagon is facing increasing questions about the U.S. troop presence in Iraq, after unnamed officials told The Washington Post that there are currently about 5,000 U.S. soldiers in Iraq—a far higher number than previously reported.