'US forces training for electronic war'

Some 20 US military aircraft are reportedly being used by the US training troops at an Iraq-based stronghold.

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/185980.html

The US military forces based in one of their largest bases in Iraq are reportedly taking part in exercises meant to prepare them for the launch of an electronic warfare.

The drills are underway in the Al-Bakr Air Base -- a former name for the US Joint Base Balad or Camp Anaconda -- which is located near the city of Balad in central Iraq, informed sources have told Press TV.

Some 20 warplanes, including F-15, F-16 and F-18 aircraft, are being used by the training troops at the stronghold, which used to be the largest Iraqi Air Force base.

The sources said the warfare is being simulated for the potential purpose of destroying Iran's radar and air defense systems.

The news comes amid the reported presence especially at night time of unmanned American reconnaissance aircraft on searching missions in Iran-Iraq border areas.

The US forces have also reportedly put up several telecommunication masts on the Iraqi soil near the city of Marivan in northwestern Iran for suspected espionage activities against the Islamic Republic.

Washington has been pressuring Baghdad to agree with the presence of some of America's 50,000-strong force in the war-wrecked country beyond 2011.

Under the US-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Washington is mandated to withdraw its troops by December 31 this year.

Washington has also been trying to persuade the Iraqi authorities into agreeing to keep US military bases in the country.

Baghdad has opposed to an extended US military presence, but is awaiting the parliament's official opinion on the issue.