Accessibility links

Breaking News

Iraqi Leader Calls For Training, Weaponry From U.S.-Led Coalition


Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has appealed to a U.S.-led international coalition to do more to help fight Islamic State militants, saying assistance pledged so far is not enough.

Abadi told The Associated Press on January 21 that "an acceleration of training" and delivery of promised weaponry is needed.

Abadi said there is "a lot being said and spoken, but very little on the ground," reiterating that Iraq does not want foreign troops on the ground but needs "support and logistics."

Abadi said his country is grateful for more than 1,000 air strikes carried out against IS militants in Iraq by the U.S.-led coalition since its campaign began in August.

He described the air strikes as "very, very effective."

Abadi spoke as he was leaving Baghdad for London to attend a January 22 meeting with foreign ministers from about 20 countries, including U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

Abadi then plans to travel to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum.

Based on reporting by AP

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG