U.S asks Iraq for permission to install missile defence systems

The Pentagon is asking the Iraqi government to allow installations of U.S surface-to-air missile systems at Iraqi bases housing American troops.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper speaking during a press briefing in the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, US [Yuri Gripas/Reuters]

The Pentagon says the installations are needed to protect U.S forces stationed in Iraq for the sole purpose of training and assisting Iraq's military in the fight against ISIS. The request comes weeks after Iran fired several ballistic missiles at an Iraqi base housing American forces.

No deaths were reported from the attack inspired by the U.S' killing of a top Iranian general. However, more than two dozen U.S troops suffered from brain injuries and are currently receiving treatment in Germany.

US soldiers stand amid damage at a site of Iranian bombing at Ain al-Asad air base, in Anbar, Iraq, January 13, 2020. (AP/Qassim Abdul-Zahra)

"That is one of the matters we have to work on and work through with the Baghdad government," Defence Secretary Mark Esper told reporters at a news conference.

The U.S' request also comes after Iraqi lawmakers voted unanimously to expel all 5,000 U.S troops stationed in the country.

Iraq's government hasn't responded to the U.S' request.

By: Niza Nondo