U.S. plans to arm Iraq's Sunni tribesmen with AK-47s, RPGs, mortars


Tribal fighters take part in a military training to prepare for fighting against Islamic State militants, at the Ain al-Assad military base in Anbar province November 15, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States plans to buy arms for Sunni tribesmen in Iraq including AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar rounds to help bolster the battle against Islamic State militants in Anbar province, according to a Pentagon document prepared for Congress.

The plan to spend $24.1 million (15.39 million pounds) represents a small fraction of the larger, $1.6 billion spending request to Congress focussing on training and arming Iraqi and Kurdish forces.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Slovak court pauses legal change limiting cooperating witness testimony
Ghana to license medicinal, industrial cannabis use
Real Madrid reaches agreement with UEFA to officially end Super League project
Defending champion Anthony's mistake hands moguls gold to Olympic debutant Lemley
South Sudan cuts cholera deaths, new cases amid sustained response
Zambia urges Africa to strengthen water management cooperation
1 dead, 2 injured in college shooting in Russia's Krasnodar region
Chinese medical team trains South Sudanese counterparts on first aid
Le Pen lawyers tell French appeals court she did not intend to do wrong
Electric vehicles in Kenya surge to 35,000 in 2025, driven by e-motorcycles

Others Also Read