Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary RADM John Kirby on DoD Support to US Embassy Baghdad:
June 16, 2014

At the request of the U.S. State Department, the Department of Defense continues to provide security assistance for embassy personnel inside Iraq.

Over the weekend, a number of teams totaling approximately 170 U.S.
personnel began arriving in Baghdad from within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

We have also moved approximately 100 personnel into the region to provide airfield management, security, and logistics support, if required.

All of these forces are trained to integrate with existing U.S. embassy security teams or operate as a stand alone force as directed.

The safety of personnel serving in diplomatic missions abroad is among our highest priorities. The presence of these additional forces will help enable the State Department to continue their critical diplomatic mission and work with Iraqis on challenges they are facing.