Obama to send 250 more special-op troops to Syria

US President Barack Obama has announced an additional 250 special operations forces will be sent to Syria. The 250 additional military personnel will support local militias in the fight against so-called Islamic State (IS), he said in a speech in Hannover, Germany. He stressed that US troops will not be leading the fight on the ground but they will be essential in training and supporting local forces. He said: ”Just as I approved additional support for Iraqi forces against ISIL I've decided to increase US support for local forces fighting ISIL in Syria, a small number of special operations forces are already on the ground in Syria and their expertise has been critical as local forces have driven ISIL out of key areas.” "So given their success I've approved the deployment of up to 250 additional US personnel in Syria including special forces to keep up this momentum." He said the increase would bring the number of US special forces in the country to as many as 300 troops, including special forces.