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Update: "American forces will not be returning to combat in Iraq," President Obama said on Thursday in a statement on the situation in the country. However, the President also said that he would consult with Congress, Iraq, and regional leaders if the administration deems "targeted and precise military action" to be necessary. In the meantime, Obama said the U.S. is prepared to send up to 300 advisors to Iraq to assist the country through its crisis. Secretary of State John Kerry will leave for the region this weekend for diplomatic talks.
When asked about Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's leadership, Obama said that "It's not our job to choose Iraq's leaders," adding that "I don't it's any secret" that there are "deep divisions" between Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish leaders.
Original post: President Obama will make a statement at 1:15 p.m. on the situation in Iraq. That statement, according to the Associated Press, will include an announcement that the U.S. is sending about 100 Green Berets to the country, to "train and advise Iraqi forces." The statement will follow a Thursday meeting between the president and his national security team.