ISIS Stages Small Attacks on Mosul, Hawija; 36 Killed in Iraq

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Iraq on Monday for an unannounced meeting with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and President Fuad Masum. At the meeting, P.M. Abadi complained to Tillerson over recent remarks requiring the Iran-backed Shi’ite militias disband. Instead, militiamen are redeploying to Anbar for what is hoped to be the last major battle with the Islamic State militants.

کد خبر: ۷۴۱۲۰۳

تاریخ: ۰۲ آبان ۱۳۹۶ - ۰۸:۳۴

While in Baghdad, Tillersonencouraged dialoguebetween Iraq and theKurdistan Regional Governmentto avoid escalation over Kurdish self-determination and disputed territories. Although the United States has sided with Baghdad on Iraq’s "territorial integrity”, Tillerson alsosaid"the Kurdish people have a number of unfulfilled expectations, rights that were promised them under the constitution that were never delivered upon, and so there are a number of actions that need to be taken.”

Iraqi forces aremassingnearRabeaajust south of a border crossing atFaysh Khabur, possibly in advance of an operation to take control of the border. This border crossing is within the undisputed borders of Iraqi Kurdistan. On the other side is Kurdish-held territory within Syria. The Iraqi government has not admitted it plans to capture the territory, but it does want control of the crossing.Militia membersmay be among the forces, and Peshmerga troops haveblockeda main road to delay troop advancement.

AYazidiPeshmerga member isaccusingShi’ite militias of breaking their agreement and looting homes inSinjar.

At least36 were killed and 17 were woundedin recent violence:

InMosul, asuicide bomberkilled two policemen and wounded two more;two more bombers were killedafterwards.A bombkilled two policemen and wounded three more.