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

Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
TT
TT

Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.