U.S. Marines Have Expanded Their Combat Role In Iraq

IBTimes: US Marines Enter Battle In Iraq To Help Army And Peshmerga Defend Oil Fields From ISIS

The Islamic State group is trying to retake control of the oil fields it lost two years ago in the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan by launching rockets at Kurdish and Iraqi soldiers. In an attempt to earn back the massive amount of cash it used to fund its international terrorism in 2014, the group has focused its resources on attacking Makhmur, a city just 75 miles miles from the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. So far, the group, also known as ISIS, has succeeded in outgunning the Iraqi forces in the city, but a new contingent of American Marines might change the outcome on the ground.

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Update #1: US Official Says Marines Expanding Combat Role in Iraq (AP)
Update #2: Iraqi Forces Launch Attacks Toward Mosul - With Help From US Artillery (Scout)

WNU Editor: This is a major escalation. Expect casualties.