Iraqi PM denies involvement of foreign ground troops in Mosul

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi yesterday said the ground troops fighting to recapture the city of Mosul from Daesh militants are made up only of national citizens, adding that the role of international forces is to providing air cover.

Speaking during a press conference with visiting French President Francois Hollande in Baghdad, Al-Abadi said: “There is a need for cooperation in the field of intelligence between Iraq and France as well as other countries to eliminate terrorist plots,” adding that “Iraq is facing a global terrorist organisation, so we cooperate with friendly countries to provide intelligence on the presence of terrorists in their own countries.”

He called on security forces to “take caution, because Daesh will try to sow discord among Iraqis through terrorist operations.”

The prime minister said nearly 13,000 displaced people have returned to their homes, stressing that Iraq needs help to restore stability.

For his part, the French president said his visit to Baghdad is an expression of France’s solidarity and support for operations to retake Mosul.

“Daesh is retreating. And Daesh will be beaten,” Hollande said.

Iraqi state TV said Holland will discuss “increasing support to Iraq and the latest developments in the fight against Daesh.”