Dempsey: Troop deployment could lay groundwork for 'lily pad' bases in Iraq

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- The deployment of 450 U.S. troops to a base in Taqaddum, Iraq, could lead to the establishment of more bases to sites Iraqi troops fighting the Islamic State, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey said Thursday.

On Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama announced the deployment of troops to "train and advise" Iraqi forces in central Iraq near Ramadi.

"These new advisors will work to build capacity of Iraqi forces, including local tribal fighters, to improve their ability to plan, lead, and conduct operations against [the Islamic State] in eastern Anbar under the command of the Prime Minister," a statement from the White House said.

Speaking to reporters Thursday, Dempsey said this move could be replicated in other parts of the country. He described potential further sites as lily pads in a pond, branching out from a base in the center.

"Our campaign is built on establishing these 'lily pads' that allow us to encourage the Iraqi security forces forward," Dempsey said. "As they go forward, they may exceed the reach of the particular lily pad. We're looking all the time to see if additional sites might be necessary."

He said he doesn't think there's a need for another base in Anbar province, where the al-Taqaddum Air Base is located.

"I could foresee one in the corridor that runs from Baghdad to Tikrit to Kirkuk over into Mosul," Dempsey said.

The general said the establishment of U.S. troops in Anbar province will extend the United States' reach in central Iraq.

"It's an adjustment that is significant, in that it gives us access to another Iraqi division and extends their reach into al Anbar province and gives us access to more tribes," he said.