Iraq arms sale includes 400 million rounds of ammo, 170,000 grenades, demolition explosives

A soldier with the Iraqi army, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, provides security with a rocket propelled grenade launcher during a foot patrol in Baqubah on March 30

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration told Congress on Friday of plans to sell Iraq about 400 million rounds of small-arms ammunition, 170,000 grenades, demolition explosives and other military gear and services valued at as much as $508 million.

"This proposed sale directly supports the Iraqi government and serves the interests of the Iraqi people and the U.S., as well as offering hope for a more stable and peaceful Middle East," said the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which handles government-to-government arms sales...

The notice of a proposed sale is required by law. Congress has the power to reject it.

Read the rest at the LA Times

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