Iraq confirmed yesterday the imminent activation of the joint committee with the International Coalition, which includes, among other things, scheduling the coalition’s withdrawal from Iraq and transitioning to bilateral security and military cooperation levels. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized the need for the International Coalition’s mission to transition to bilateral security and military cooperation in the upcoming phase.
Al-Sudani, during his meeting with the Dutch Ambassador to Iraq, Hans Sandee, expressed Iraq’s openness to all forms of partnership and joint work in various fields. According to a statement from his office, Al-Sudani reiterated Iraq’s vision regarding the International Coalition’s mission to combat ISIS in the next phase, which should include joint technical work to end this mission and transition to bilateral security and military cooperation levels.
Meanwhile, Iraq denied yesterday the entry of any “additional” foreign forces into its territory as part of the US-led International Coalition to fight the terrorist organization ISIS. This denial was issued in a statement by the head of Iraq’s official Security Media Cell, Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji, as reported by the official Iraqi News Agency (INA). Al-Khafaji confirmed that there is no need for any foreign forces in Iraq and that the International Coalition’s presence is limited to providing advice, training, and security information.
Al-Khafaji also mentioned the imminent activation of the joint committee between Iraq and the International Coalition, which includes scheduling the coalition’s withdrawal from Iraq and re-evaluating the nature of the overall relationship. This comes amid reports in American media, quoting military officials, about Washington’s intention to increase its forces in Iraq and Syria to combat ISIS. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the US side. American media reports have discussed Washington’s plans to send 1500 troops to Iraq and Syria in the largest Middle Eastern deployment since 2008.
In other news, Iraqi security forces in Anbar province yesterday successfully repelled a terrorist attack by ISIS targeting a security checkpoint north of the city of Ramadi. A security source stated that the security forces managed to thwart an attack by ISIS terrorists targeting a security checkpoint in the Al-Tharthar area north of Ramadi, without any injuries to the security forces.
