Iraqi PM repeats rejection of Turkish troops being in Mosul

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has reiterated his position rejecting the presence of Turkish troops near Mosul in northern Iraq. He said that there are conflicting statements issued by the Turks and there has been no request made to or by the Baghdad government to allow Turkish forces to cross the border onto Iraqi territory.

Abadi made his comments while chairing the Supreme Commission for Coordination among Governorates, which met in Baghdad on Thursday. He expressed his gratitude to the Iraqi parliament for supporting the government in its position against Turkish intervention, stressing the importance of having a unified Iraqi position.

The prime minister pointed out that Mosul is on the verge of liberation, adding that freeing the people from the terrorism of ISIS is his government’s main goal, while the terrorists seek to gain media attention by bombing Baghdad. He said that they have adopted measures for such situations.

Furthermore, Abadi denied the presence of foreign fighters embedded with the Iraqi Armed Forces, noting that the coalition’s tasks include training, consultation, armament, logistical support and providing air cover for ground forces.