President Obama's approved the deployment of a further 15-hundred American military personnel to Iraq in a non-combat role.
The soldiers are being sent to help combat Islamic State (I.S.) militants who have been persecuting tens of thousands of Christians.
The extremist group has advanced across large parts of Iraq and Syria.
Troop numbers in Iraq will be doubled by this new deployment.
Mr Obama is also asking Congress for more than £3.1 billion to help fund the fight but he stressed the soldiers would not be involved in combat.
I.S. has forced thousands of Christians to flee their homes and in some parts of the Middle East the entire Christian population has left.
Earlier this year militants issued a convert to Islam or die ultimatum to believers.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said: "US troops will not be in combat, but they will be better positioned to support Iraqi security forces as they take the fight".
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us