The U.S. plans to seal a $1 billion arms deal with Iraq, AFP reports. The deal includes warplanes, armored vehicles, and surveillance aerostats and is valued at $790 million.
The plan will go ahead unless U.S. lawmakers block the deal, according to AFP.
“The proposed sale of these aircraft, equipment, and support will enhance the ability of the Iraqi forces to sustain themselves in their efforts to bring stability to Iraq and to prevent overflow of unrest into neighboring countries,” said the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The deal comes as violence across Iraq has killed hundreds and displaced thousands. Iraq is currently facing serious security threats as al Qaeda continues to carry out deadly attacks across the country. Simultaneously, Iraq is dealing with a rise in sectarian tension as the Sunni population becomes increasingly unhappy with the Shiia dominated government.
