Watch CBS News

Md. Congressman Calls For More Troops In Iraq To Oust ISIS

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A call for more U.S. troops in Iraq. That's the appraisal of Maryland Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger following his visit to that country.

Alex DeMetrick reports Ruppersberger says it's based on what's working against ISIS.

Iraqi troops fighting and taking back parts of their country from ISIS. Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger met with U.S. troops and advisers, helping make that happen during a trip to Iraq last week.

"We need to be on the ground to help them, so that when there are attacks, we can call in air power, we can call in artillery power. Because if we do that, we're going to win this," said Congressman Ruppersberger.

But to do that...

"I believe that we need more American troops to Iraq to help keep the momentum that's happening," said Ruppersberger.

Specifically, more special forces and advisers to embed with Iraqi troops, as the battle to retake Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, goes from skirmishes to an all out assault.

According to Ruppersberger, the difference American troops are making in Iraq has a critical payoff here at home.

"Stop them in the areas that they can train and control right now. That helps us in our homeland so they can't plan attacks in the United States of America," Ruppersberger said.

And he uses the example of high level ISIS planners killed in America's air campaign in Iraq.

Ruppersberger says he made the trip because of his position on the House Intelligence and Defense Appropriations Committees.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.