Britain to send 125 more troops to train Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting Islamic State group

LONDON – Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain will send 125 more troops to Iraq to train local forces fighting the Islamic State group.

The deployment brings to 275 the number of U.K. personnel helping the Baghdad government and Kurdish authorities battle the militants.

Cameron made the announcement Sunday at a meeting of G-7 leaders in Germany, saying IS terrorism poses one of the world's biggest challenges.

The government says most of the new troops will train local forces in dealing with roadside bombs. They will be based around the country.

Britain says the troops will remain on their bases and the U.K. will not send combat troops to Iraq, where 179 British personnel died between 2003 and 2009.

British warplanes are part of the U.S.-led coalition attacking IS targets in Iraq.