US senators call for massive troop deployment in Syria, Iraq

Two Republican senators have called for Washington to nearly triple military force levels in Iraq to 10,000, and send an equal number of troops to Syria to fight Daesh terrorist group, according to The Independent.

John McCain and Lindsey Graham criticized President Barack Obama's strategic against Isis, which relies on air strikes and modest support given to support local ground forces in Iraq and Syria.

Both have said the attacks in Paris have underlined the need for greater US involvement in the Middle East.

"The only way you can destroy the caliphate is with a ground component," said Graham, who is seeking his party's presidential nomination.

"The aerial campaign is not turning the tide of battle."

He and McCain told reporters during a visit to Baghdad that US personnel could provide logistical and intelligence support to a proposed 100,000-strong force from Sunni Arab countries.

Around 3,500 US troops are currently advising and assisting Iraqi forces.

Graham said an increased American presence would include forward air controllers and aviation assets, as well as special forces to carry out raids.

Last month, Obama ordered the deployment of dozens of special operations troops to northern Syria to advise opposition forces in their fight against Daesh.

Sources; MENA