U.S. Operations in Iraq Cost $560M

All those targeted airstrikes and surveillance flights really add up. On Friday, the Pentagon said that U.S. military operations in Iraq have cost around $560 million since mid-June, putting the average daily cost at around $7.5 million. Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, says the spending rate was much lower in June but escalated this month as airstrikes intensified. The money comes from the Pentagon’s 2014 overseas contingency fund. Officials say funds for the operation may extend through September, but the Pentagon may have to request more of Congress for the next budget year if operations continue to intensify.