Baghdad, Erbil Coordinate Intelligence, Military Operations

A general view shows the Citadel of Erbil in Erbil, Iraq April 23, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari
A general view shows the Citadel of Erbil in Erbil, Iraq April 23, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari
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Baghdad, Erbil Coordinate Intelligence, Military Operations

A general view shows the Citadel of Erbil in Erbil, Iraq April 23, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari
A general view shows the Citadel of Erbil in Erbil, Iraq April 23, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari

Iraq's military spokesman Yehya Rasool unveiled a joint military cooperation between the federal government and Kurdistan to exchange intelligence information and track down ISIS terrorist cells in addition to filling the military gap in some Iraqi cities and provinces.

Rasool highlighted joint security meetings and understandings between Iraqi Joint Forces Command and Kurdistan border guards. The meetings focused on discussing cooperation and coordination with regard to conducting joint military operations in some areas where intelligence information indicates the presence of ISIS terrorist cells, as well as exchanging intelligence information.

Rasool pointed out that "the areas in which joint cooperation takes place start from Diyala, Khanaqin, Kirkuk, and other regions and other areas witnessing terrorist ISIS activities.

Earlier, the Iraqi joint forces conducted security operations to secure several regions within “Heroes of Iraq 4”.

Moreover, the Military Intelligence Directorate stated Sunday that two ISIS terrorists were arrested in Kirkuk governorate.

In a statement, the directorate said: "The arrest took place in an operation carried out according to accurate intelligence information", adding that the terrorists used to provide logistical support to ISIS, including food and communication devices. Besides, they participated in the clashes with the Iraqi security forces.

"Terrorists are wanted by the judiciary under an arrest warrant," the statement indicated.

In another context, Anbar Criminal Court, in its first instance, issued a death sentence by hanging for the criminal who killed soldier Mustafa al-Athari in Falluja in May 2015. Athatri's body was hung on the Fallujah Bridge, sparking a wave of popular anger.

The Media Center of the Supreme Judicial Council stated that “the convicted person confessed to having committed the crime, and the court issued the verdict in accordance with Article 4/1 of the Anti-Terrorism Law."



Biden: Joseph Aoun is ‘First-Rate Guy’

FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)
FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)
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Biden: Joseph Aoun is ‘First-Rate Guy’

FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)
FILE - President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, File)

US President Joe Biden welcomed the election of Joseph Aoun as Lebanon's president on Thursday, saying in a statement that the army chief was the “right leader” for the country.

“President Aoun has my confidence. I believe strongly he is the right leader for this time,” said Biden, adding that Aoun would provide “critical leadership” in overseeing an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire.

Aoun's election by Lebanese lawmakers ended a more than two-year vacancy and could mark a step towards lifting the country out of financial meltdown.

“We finally have a president,” Biden said later, at the end of a meeting on the response to major wildfires in the US city of Los Angeles.

He said he had spoken to Aoun by phone on Thursday for “20 minutes to half an hour,” describing the Lebanese leader as a “first-rate guy.”

Biden pledged to continue US support for Lebanon’s security forces, and for Lebanon’s recovery and reconstruction, the White House said in a readout of Biden’s call with Aoun.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Aoun's election “a moment of historic opportunity,” which offered Lebanon a chance to “establish durable peace and stability.”

Aoun, who turned 61 on Friday, faces the difficult task of overseeing the fragile ceasefire with Israel in south Lebanon.

Separately, Biden spoke about the hostage talks between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

“We’re making some real progress,” he told reporters at the White House, adding that he had spoken with US negotiators earlier Thursday.

“I know hope springs eternal, but I’m still hopeful that we’ll be able to have a prisoner exchange.”

Biden added: “Hamas is the one getting in the way of that exchange right now, but I think we may be able to get that done. We need to get it done.”