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.



Israel Carries Out Several Attacks in Southern Lebanon

A picture taken from the southern Lebanese region of Marjayoun, shows the destruction in Khiam on November 28, 2024, a day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. (AFP)
A picture taken from the southern Lebanese region of Marjayoun, shows the destruction in Khiam on November 28, 2024, a day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. (AFP)
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Israel Carries Out Several Attacks in Southern Lebanon

A picture taken from the southern Lebanese region of Marjayoun, shows the destruction in Khiam on November 28, 2024, a day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. (AFP)
A picture taken from the southern Lebanese region of Marjayoun, shows the destruction in Khiam on November 28, 2024, a day after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect. (AFP)

The Israeli army carried out several attacks in southern Lebanon on Friday, the third day of the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanon’s state media said.

Artillery bombardment struck the villages of Markaba, Talusa and Khiyam while four Israeli tanks moved into the western part of Khiam, the report said, adding that an Israeli tank fired at a house in Nabatiyeh province.

Local media also reported that the Israeli army fired on civilians in the nearby village of Bint Jbeil. No casualties were immediately reported and The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the claims.

Israel’s military said it struck an area in southern Lebanon where it detected movement of a Hezbollah rocket launcher on Friday.

In the statement on the airstrike, the military said it would “actively enforce violations of the ceasefire agreement.”

There was no immediate comment from the Lebanese army, which has accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire several times since it came into effect.