U.S. ready to help in Iraq as PH govt urges Pinoy workers to come home

By Balitang America Staff, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

June 16, 2014

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – A U.S. official says additional Marines and U.S. Army personnel have arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, as militants from the “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” or ISIS attempt to advance on the capital city.

ISIS fighters had stormed several towns on the road to Baghdad after seizing Mosul nearly a week ago.

The advance has alarmed the United States which helped to bring to power the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

President Barack Obama has said he was reviewing military options short of sending troops to combat the insurgency.

Meanwhile more than 500 U.S. troops are ready to offer help to Iraq against ISIS.

The 550 marines are on board the amphibious transport ship USS Mesa Verde that entered the Gulf on Monday.

The ship joined the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush which moved into the Gulf Saturday, along with the guide missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea and the guided missile destroyer USS Truxtun.

Meantime, on Saturday the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs urged the estimated 6,000 Filipino workers in Iraq to voluntarily return home at the government’s expense.