WASHINGTON (AFP) - US force levels in Iraq have grown to an all-time high of 168,000 troops, a senior Pentagon official said Thursday...(visit the link for the full news article)
Sherlock said the arrival of more combat brigades will temporarily push the total to as high as 172,000 over the coming months...
In the past, US troops rotations have been used to bulk up US ground forces during elections or other periods when higher levels of violence are expected.
during elections or other periods when higher levels of violence are expected.
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Away from the headlines and debate over the "surge" in U.S. ground troops, the Air Force has quietly built up its hardware inside Iraq, sharply stepped up bombing and laid a foundation for a sustained air campaign in support of American and Iraqi forces.source
Squadrons of attack planes have been added to the in-country fleet. The air reconnaissance arm has almost doubled since last year. The powerful B1-B bomber has been recalled to action over Iraq.
"Nothing happens by chance, my friend... No such thing as luck. A meaning behind every little thing, and such a meaning behind this. Part for you, part for me, may not see it all real clear right now, but we will, before long."
