Turkey deploys “training” troops in Iraq, Baghdad demands withdrawalDecember 5, 2015 - 11:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Several hundred Turkish soldiers have been deployed to provide “training” for Iraqi troops in an area near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, which is under Islamic State control, a Turkish security source told Reuters on Friday, December 4, the news agency reports. "Turkish soldiers have reached the Mosul Bashiqa region. They are there as part of routine training exercises. One battalion has crossed into the region," the source said, declining to say exactly how many soldiers had been deployed. He said troops had already been in Iraqi Kurdistan and had moved to Mosul accompanied by armored vehicles, in a move which coalition countries targeting Islamic State were aware of. The Iraqi government, however, has demanded that Ankara withdraw the more than 100 Turkish forces that entered Iraq with tanks and artillery for allegedly “training” of troops near Mosul. Baghdad stressed the unsanctioned move was a breach of its sovereignty, RT reports. The Iraqi foreign ministry said in a statement early on Saturday that the Turkish troops were acting in violation of the country’s sovereignty and demanded the forces withdraw immediately. “Around one regiment with tanks and artillery” has entered the northern Nineveh area, according to the statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister’s media office. According to the Reuters’ sources, the U.S.-led anti-Islamic State coalition was aware of the Turkey's move. However, according to two U.S. defense officials quoted by Reuters, Turkey’s deployment is not part of the efforts of the U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |