Russia Soon to Start Air Attacks on ISIL in Iraq

A high-ranking Iraqi security official announced that his country will principally agree with Russia’s attacks on ISIL positions in Iraq and will declare its consent to Moscow in the coming days.

“The Iraqi government has agreed with Russia’s proposal to attack the ISIL positions in Iraq (exactly) like what is happening in Syria,” the security official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told FNA on Wednesday.

The official said that the Iraqi government will most likely declare its agreement to the Russian officials in the next few days.

“The Iraqi government is studying the mechanisms needed for Russia’s imminent attacks on ISIL’s positions in Iraq,” he added.

Earlier today, Chairman of the Iraqi Parliament’s Defense Committee Hakim al-Zamili said Baghdad wants Moscow to have a bigger role in the anti-terrorist campaign in Iraq than the US and may soon officially request to start airstrikes on its soil.

“We might be forced to ask Russia to launch airstrikes in Iraq soon. I think in the upcoming few days or weeks Iraq will be forced to ask Russia to launch airstrikes and that depends on their success in Syria,” al-Zamili said.

“We are seeking to see Russia having a bigger role in Iraq… Yes, definitely a bigger role than the Americans,” he added.

The Iraqi official added that the decision would depend on how efficient the Russian campaign in Syria will prove to be.

Russia last week started carrying out airstrikes in Syria against the positions of the ISIL, a terrorist group originating in Iraq, which also grew a power base in neighboring Syria and launched a surprise offensive in Iraq, taking control of large parts of both countries.

Iraq is supporting the campaign by sharing intelligence with Russia through a communication center in Baghdad.

According to Zamili, the center’s role may be expanded to coordinate Russia’s future airstrikes in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told France 24 on Tuesday that his government would welcome Russian warplanes in Iraq.

Valentina Matvienko, the speaker for the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, which has the constitutional authority to green-light military operations in foreign countries, said that Russia may consider such a request by Iraq.

FNA

R.S