Today's Edition
HUDA JASSIM (BAGDHDAD)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani has emphasised the need to shift the international coalition’s mission towards bilateral security and military cooperation. Al-Sudani expressed Iraq’s readiness to engage in diverse partnerships and collaborative efforts during a meeting with Dutch Ambassador Hans Sandee.
According to a statement by his office, Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s vision for the international coalition’s role against Da’esh in the future, emphasising the necessity of joint technical work to conclude the current mission and transition to bilateral security and military cooperation.
Meanwhile, Iraq refuted on Monday the entry of additional foreign forces into its territory as part of the US-led coalition to combat Da’esh, as stated in a press release by Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, head of the Iraqi Security Media Cell, according to the official Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The agency reported that “Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji denied the news that talked about the entry of additional forces from the international coalition into Iraq”.
The international coalition against Da’esh was established in 2014, with the purpose of combatting the organisation in Iraq and Syria. It comprises 85 partner countries and organisations, with approximately 2,500 US soldiers stationed in Iraq.
Al-Khafaji emphasised that Iraq does not need any foreign forces, adding that the coalition’s role is to provide advice, training, and security information.
He also highlighted the upcoming activation of a joint committee between Iraq and the international coalition to oversee its withdrawal from Iraq and to reassess the broader nature of the relationship.
US media has speculated about Washington’s plans to increase its military presence in Iraq and Syria to combat Da’esh, including the potential deployment of 1,500 US soldiers to the two countries. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the US government.
In a separate incident, Iraqi security forces successfully thwarted an attack by Da’esh on a checkpoint north of Ramadi, in the Anbar governorate.
A security source reported that the forces repelled the Da’esh assault on a checkpoint in the Tharthar area, north of Ramadi, with no casualties among the security personnel.
The attackers, in an SUV carrying Da’esh terrorists, engaged in armed confrontation with the forces and eventually retreated into the desert. Their are losses yet to be determined.
