Baghdad Seeking ‘Arrangements’ to End Deployment of Int’l Coalition

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)
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Baghdad Seeking ‘Arrangements’ to End Deployment of Int’l Coalition

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, December 28, 2023. (Reuters)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani declared on Thursday that his country was seeking to “arrange its relationship” with the international coalition fighting ISIS in order to end its deployment on its territories.

He explained that so long as the Iraqi forces are “capable and empowered” there was no longer need for the international troops.

Sudani received in Baghdad his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, who stressed his country’s commitment to the stability and sovereignty of Iraq.

Sanchez had arrived in Baghdad late on Wednesday for a short official visit. He met Spanish forces deployed at a base in the capital’s fortified Green Zone and thanked them for their “sacrifices in the name of international security and stability.”

Sudani reiterated his government and political forces’ rejection of attacks against the international coalition’s bases in Iraq, while stressing their commitment to the legal authorization granted to them by Baghdad.

The authorization allows them to support the security forces in training and offering consultations.

Sudani stated that the Iraqi government was committed and capable of performing its duties in protecting diplomatic missions and security consultants.

For his part, Sanchez said his country’s commitment to Iraq is demonstrated through the deployment of Spanish forces in the country.

He vowed that Spain will always support the unity, sovereignty and stability of Iraq.



Death Toll in Damascus Church Attack Rises to 25

People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus' Dweila area on June 22, 2025. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)
People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus' Dweila area on June 22, 2025. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)
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Death Toll in Damascus Church Attack Rises to 25

People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus' Dweila area on June 22, 2025. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)
People and rescuers inspect the damage at the site of a reported suicide attack at the Saint Elias church in Damascus' Dweila area on June 22, 2025. (Photo by Bakr ALKASEM / AFP)

The death toll from a suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighborhood of Damascus on Sunday has risen to 25, Syria's state news agency SANA reported on Monday citing the country's health ministry.

It was the first suicide bombing in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad was toppled by opposition factions in December.

On Sunday, a suicide bomber in Syria opened fire then detonated an explosive vest inside a Greek Orthodox church filled with people praying, killing and wounding many.

The attack took place in Dweila on the outskirts of Damascus inside the Mar Elias Church, according to state media SANA.

A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two men were involved in the attack, including the one who blew himself up.