The US is ready to sell Iraq up to $2.3bn of weapons to help the Iraqi army grow and take over operations currently run by US and allied forces, the Pentagon has said.

 

The US defence department informed congress on Wednesday of the plan to sell various vehicles, small arms ammunition, explosives and communications equipment to Iraq.

The Defence Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA), which oversees foreign military sales, said the deal would allow the Iraqi Army to expand its force structure by 25 battalions and a brigade headquarters.

"This expansion will enable Iraq to equip new forces to assume the missions currently accomplished by US and coalition forces and to sustain themselves in their efforts to bring stability to the country," the DSCA said in a statement.

 

The agency did not list any contractors alongside the sale.

 

It said the Iraqi government had requested Humvees and rifles, as well as a wide array of trucks and other vehicles, small arms, munitions, explosives and communications equipment.

 

Once the US congress is notified of a weapons sale, lawmakers have 30 days to block the deal, although such action is rare.