U.S. expedites delivery of missiles, drones to Iraq amid violence

The United States has delivered dozens of Hellfire air-to-ground missiles to Iraq in recent weeks and plans shipments of Scan Eagle drones next year amid a surge in violence.
Al Qaeda-linked militants have stepped up attacks on government and anyone seen to be supporting it. The United Nations estimates that more than 8,000 people have been killed in attacks in Iraq this year.
About 75 Hellfire missiles were delivered to Iraq last week, and a shipment of 10 unmanned Scan Eagles surveillance drones is due next year.
The U.S. has already said the first of 18 F-16 fighter jets promised to Iraq will be delivered in the fall of 2014, with the entire order to be shipped over the course of two years.
reuters