U.S. sells 5,000 missiles to Iraq

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The United States has agreed to sell 5,000 Hellfire missiles to the Iraq government, part of a $700 million military aid package.

The Iraqi government specifically requested the missiles, which are typically fired at ground and sea targets from helicopters, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.

Iraq has been a regular customer of Hellfire missiles, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said. The United States delivered 780 missiles in January, and will send 366 more in August. Of the 5,000 additional missiles, no timetable for delivery was provided.

The U.S. State Dept. approved the sale, and Congress, which can block it, was informed of the sale Monday.