Obama says more Syria troops will be essential

HANNOVER, Germany -- President Barack Obama says he's sending up to 250 more troops to Syria to "keep up this momentum" against Islamic State group.

Obama is speaking at a trade fair in Hannover, Germany. He says the additional troops won't be leading the fight on the ground, but they'll be "essential." He says their goal will be to drive IS back from territory.

Obama says existing U.S. special forces in Syria have been critical in lending expertise to local forces. Obama says some of the additional troops he's sending will be special forces.

The president's announcement brings to 300 the number of U.S. forces battling extremists in war-torn Syria.