Hagel: US speeding up training of Iraqi forces

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. AP FILE PHOTO

FORT IRWIN, California — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the U.S. military is accelerating its efforts to train and advise Iraqi forces fighting Islamic State militants.

Hagel said U.S. special operations troops in Iraq’s western Anbar province are getting an early start on the train-and-advise effort.

Hagel said the effort began a few days ago. He did not provide details.

The Pentagon chief spoke to reporters after observing Army training in California’s Mojave Desert on Sunday.

According to plans laid out last week, the U.S. expects to train nine Iraqi security forces brigades and three Kurdish Peshmerga brigades.

Hagel said the speed-up was recommended by Gen. Lloyd Austin, the commander of U.S. Central Command.