NATO Mission in Iraq Pledges Continued Support to Iraqi Security Forces Against Terrorism

 US soldiers during a ceremony handing over four F-16 fighter jets at Balad Air Base. (AP) 
 US soldiers during a ceremony handing over four F-16 fighter jets at Balad Air Base. (AP) 
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NATO Mission in Iraq Pledges Continued Support to Iraqi Security Forces Against Terrorism

 US soldiers during a ceremony handing over four F-16 fighter jets at Balad Air Base. (AP) 
 US soldiers during a ceremony handing over four F-16 fighter jets at Balad Air Base. (AP) 

The NATO mission in Iraq vowed to continue supporting the country's security forces through training and military advice, reaffirming that their presence is at the federal government’s request.

Lieutenant General José Antonio Agüero Martínez of Spain assumed command of NATO Mission Iraq during a ceremony in Baghdad. He succeeded Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria Iannucci of Italy.

Also, Brigadier General Stewart Manosh said they were honored to be in Iraq, noting that the command transfer ceremony reaffirms their engagement in Iraq.

Manosh also said that the partnership requires cooperation with Iraqi officials.

Manosh stressed that the NATO mission in Iraq is a strong entity based on good relationships established by Commander Lannucci with Iraqi officials.

For his part, Lannucci said the Iraqi army was founded in 1921, describing it as “one of the strongest armies in the region.”

He also praised the Iraqi Army's culture, traditions, and capability to maintain Iraq's security.

NATO’s affirmation that its forces’ presence in Iraq is upon the government’s request comes one day after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad al-Sudani attended the Iraqi Air Force's Ababil/1 exercise on Tuesday in Balad Air Base.

The Media Office of the PM said that his government agenda prioritizes raising the capabilities of the Iraqi army to the highest levels.

“Today, we gather under the great wings of the heroic Iraqi Air Force planes as they execute their remarkable Ababil/1 exercise. This exercise serves as a demonstration of the exceptional preparedness displayed by our pilots, technicians, and all dedicated crew members,” said the PM.

“Today's exemplary performance marks a significant stride in our ongoing mission to strengthen and enhance our armed forces, embodying our commitment to enhancing the army's efficiency to unprecedented levels of professionalism and excellence.”

“We encourage partners to participate in constructive military cooperation to improve security, deliver a message of reassurance in Iraq’s capabilities and stability, and enhance regional security,” he added.



US Says Israel Must Improve Gaza's Humanitarian Situation or Risk Aid

 People attempt to extinguish a fire at the site of an Israeli strike on tents sheltering displaced people, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed
People attempt to extinguish a fire at the site of an Israeli strike on tents sheltering displaced people, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed
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US Says Israel Must Improve Gaza's Humanitarian Situation or Risk Aid

 People attempt to extinguish a fire at the site of an Israeli strike on tents sheltering displaced people, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed
People attempt to extinguish a fire at the site of an Israeli strike on tents sheltering displaced people, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Israel must take urgent steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza to avoid legal action involving US military aid, according to news reports on Tuesday.

"We are writing now to underscore the US government's deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and seek urgent and sustained actions by your government this month to reverse this trajectory," they wrote in an Oct. 13 letter to their Israeli counterparts, posted by an Axios reporter on X, according to Reuters.

The State Department and Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Representatives for Israel's government also could not be immediately reached for comment.

The report comes as Israeli forces expand operations into northern Gaza amid ongoing concerns about access to humanitarian aid throughout the enclave and civilians' access to food, water and medicine.

US officials earlier this year said Israel may have violated international humanitarian law using US-supplied weapons during its military operation in Gaza.

This week's letter cited Section 620i of the Foreign Assistance Act, which restricts (prohibits) military aid to countries that impede delivery of US humanitarian assistance.

It also cited a National Security Memorandum that US President Joe Biden issued in February that requires the State Department to report to Congress on whether it finds credible Israel's assurances that its use of US weapons does not violate US or international law.