BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials say the U.S. has sent missiles to the country's air forces to help in their battle against al-Qaida.

Two intelligence officers and a military officer said Thursday that 75 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles arrived on Dec. 19 and more will be shipped in the future. They said the missiles are being used now by four Iraqi King Air propeller planes during a massive military operation in the western desert near the borders with Syria.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information.

Iraq is facing resurgence in violence by insurgents emboldened by the civil war in neighboring Syria.

The U.S. State Department referred inquiries to the Defense Department but reiterated its condemnation of recent attacks by Iraq's branch of al-Qaida.