An additional 55 soldiers are leaving for Iraq following an approval of a request by the United Nations.

The first batch of 18 soldiers left over the weekend and another 18 Fiji soldiers left for Iraq this morning.

Land Force Commander, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga said Fiji had put in its bid to contribute more troops to Iraq after a request from the UN.

He said this was approved by the UN and the final decision was made by the Fiji Cabinet.