U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT APPROVES POSSIBLE M1A1 ABRAMS TANKS, ARMORED HUMVEES SALE TO IRAQ
NEWTOWN, Conn. - The United States State Department has approved the possible sale to Iraq of M1A1 Abrams tanks and associated equipment, parts and logistical support worth $2.4 billion, and M1151A1 up-armored Humvees and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for $579 million.
If the deal goes through, U.S. government and 100 contractor representatives would travel to Iraq to support the contract for the Abrams tanks, said the State Dept. The Humvee deal will not require U.S. personnel.
Meanwhile, earlier this month Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi appealed to United States Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on December 9 for more air raids from Western warplanes and more arms to take on the Islamic State group. The request was made during Hagel's unannounced trip to Baghdad as the U.S. and its allies ramped up their role in the fight against IS, with plans to expand the training of Iraqi forces.