عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Int’l Coalition Conducts Military Training in Iraq

Members of special forces with the US-backed coalition against ISIS (File photo: AFP/Getty)
Members of special forces with the US-backed coalition against ISIS (File photo: AFP/Getty)
TT
TT

Int’l Coalition Conducts Military Training in Iraq

Members of special forces with the US-backed coalition against ISIS (File photo: AFP/Getty)
Members of special forces with the US-backed coalition against ISIS (File photo: AFP/Getty)

The international coalition to defeat ISIS announced that it has conducted live ammunition and tactical movement training for its forces in Iraq.

The coalition issued a statement Saturday, saying its forces rehearsed live fire and tactical movement to “remain ready and respond in a timely manner for any future assigned mission.”

“We are committed to work alongside our partners in designated areas in Iraq and Syria towards a more secure and prosperous region,” asserted the statement.

Two months ago, the coalition announced its plans to increase the number of its forces in Iraq from 500 to about 5,000 soldiers, which sparked controversy in Iraq.

No comment was made by Iraqi officials, but political observers believe the drills fall within the framework of the forces’ readiness to combat ISIS.

The terrorist organization has recently increased its activity in many areas in Iraq, namely Diyala, Kirkuk, and Nineveh governorates.

Meanwhile, Iraq finalized the third round of its strategic dialogue with the US to schedule the withdrawal of the remaining 2,500 combat forces.

The head of Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Falih al-Fayyad, affirmed that the forces are not responsible for targeting diplomatic missions in Iraq.

Fayyad asserted in a statement that the PMF is an official body that follows the Iraqi government's policy and is not responsible nor does it support any attack on foreign embassies or representations in Iraq.

He affirmed that the PMF adheres to the government’s policy in dealing with such problems.

Commenting on the strategic dialogue, Fayyad indicated that the special committee formed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces handles the strategic dialogue, schedules the withdrawal, and deals with resolving this crisis.

He pointed out that the committee is also concerned with implementing the parliament’s decision to withdraw foreign forces according to the vision of the government and the armed forces.

In other news, the spokesman for the Iraqi Commander-in-Chief, Major General Yehia Rasool, confirmed that the security forces have a new method and tactic to strike ISIS remnants.

Rasool revealed that the counter-terrorism unit has targeted several ISIS locations, killing top leaders.

The spokesman told the Iraqi official news agency that based on the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, and through qualitative pre-emptive operations and the new strategy, the forces made precise strikes on ISIS cells and remnants.

He indicated that the attacks resulted in the death and arrest of several ISIS leaders and top commanders.

Rasool also announced that several operations were launched in various areas, including Saladin, Nineveh, and al-Anbar, noting that they included units from the army, the Ministry of Interior, and the PMF, backed by the Iraqi Air Force.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Half of Yemen’s Population Face Mounting Risks from Climate Change

Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)
Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)
TT
TT

Half of Yemen’s Population Face Mounting Risks from Climate Change

Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)
Al-Garehi Al-Gharbi camp in the Abs district of north-west Yemen. (Norwegian Refugee Council)

Already suffering from a prolonged conflict as a result of the Houthi coup against the legitimate authority, Yemen is facing mounting risks brought on by climate change, the World Bank warned on Thursday.
Many populations are facing threats from climate change, such as extreme heat, drought, and floods, the WB said in its newly released Yemen Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR).
Stephane Guimbert, World Bank Country Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti said that Yemen is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises — conflict, climate change, and poverty.
He called for immediate and decisive action on climate resilience, a matter of survival for millions of Yemenis.
“By investing in water security, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy, Yemen can safeguard human capital, build resilience and lay the foundations for a path to sustainable recovery,” he said.
The WB report said half of Yemenis are already exposed to at least one climate hazard — extreme heat, drought, or flooding — with compounding effects on food insecurity and poverty.
These risks, it showed, are expected to intensify without immediate action and Yemen’s annual GDP could decline by an average of 3.9% by 2040 under pessimistic climate scenarios, largely due to decreased agricultural productivity and infrastructure damage.
Navigating Challenges
Despite these challenges, the CCDR identifies strategic opportunities to strengthen resilience, improve food and water security, and unlock sustainable growth, the WB report noted.
For example, it said, targeted investments in water storage and groundwater management, coupled with adaptive agriculture techniques could lead to productivity gains of up to 13.5% in crop production under optimistic climate scenarios for the period of 2041 to 2050.
The report also spoke about risks to the fisheries sector, considered as a critical source of livelihood for many Yemenis.
Its projections indicate a potential decline of up to 23% in fish stocks due to rising sea temperatures and altered marine ecosystems.

The WB report also said that climate change exacerbates existing health challenges in Yemen, leading to increased healthcare costs and strain on already fragile health systems.
“It is projected that climate-related health issues could cost the country over $5 billion in excess health costs by 2050,” it noted.
“Addressing these challenges requires integrating climate resilience into public health planning, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as women and children.”
Concerning infrastructure, the report said urban areas and critical infrastructure are especially vulnerable, and without adaptation measures, economic shocks will disproportionately affect already fragile communities.
As for the private sector, it has a critical role to play in addressing Yemen’s pressing development challenges, said Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, IFC’s Regional Director for the Middle East.
“Harnessing its potential through innovative financing mechanisms and guarantee instruments and creating a conducive investment climate can help mobilize the climate-focused funding the country urgently needs to build a greener and more resilient future,” he said.
The WB report also said that Yemen also has immense potential for renewable energy, which could serve as a key component of its climate response and recovery.
It showed that harnessing renewable energy resources not only offers a pathway to reduce reliance on fossil fuels but also enables the creation of a more resilient power infrastructure.
“This will be essential in supporting vital services such as healthcare, water supply, and food distribution, particularly in conflict-affected areas,” it said.
Global Coordination
The World Bank highlighted the significant commitments and coordination from the international community to support Yemen in coping with climate shocks and building broader resilience.
It said securing sustainable peace will be required to unlock the financing and take the action needed to build long-term resilience to climate change.
The CCDR then underscored the importance of flexible, risk-informed decision-making to adapt climate actions to Yemen's uncertain political landscape.
Under a “Peace and Prosperity” scenario, it said, a higher level of adaptation can be implemented, yielding greater economic and social benefits.
Yemeni Minister of Water and Environment, Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, stressed the importance of integrating climate action into development strategies and adapting to climate fluctuations.
The minister was speaking at a special session to discuss the WB report on the sidelines of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
He said the report represents a significant contribution for Yemen in addressing climate change and will facilitate access to various climate financing options amid the structural and technical fragility faced by institutions due to the war.
The report, Al-Sharjabi added, aligns closely with Yemen's urgent priorities, particularly in the areas of water and food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting area-based climate adaptation approaches.