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Iraq summons Turkey ambassador over military presence

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turkey-n-iraqBAGHDAD,— Iraq’s foreign ministry summoned the Turkish ambassador in Baghdad to protest what it said were “provocative” comments made in Ankara about keeping Turkish troops in northern Iraq, a ministry spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday.

The Turkish parliament decided last week to extend a mandate that allows military operations against militant organizations in Iraq and Syria for another year.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey that keeping troops in northern Iraq could lead to a “regional war,” according to comments broadcast on state TV on Wednesday.

Turkey says it deployed troops at a base in northern Iraq late last year as part of an international mission to train and equip Iraqi forces to fight against Islamic State, which controls a swathe of territory south of the border region, around the city of Mosul, and also in neighboring Syria.

The Iraqi government says it never invited such a force and considers the Turkish troops occupiers.

There are 800 Turkish troops deployed in the Mosul and Shaqlawa regions, the move that sparked a crisis between Ankara and Baghdad. Turkey sent a contingent of an additional 150 forces and 25 tanks in December 2015 to bolster its military presence in the Bashiqa camp, an area that has seen recent fighting.

Iraqi leaders said in December 2015 that hundreds of Turkish troops had arrived without their knowledge or approval, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.

The Turkish troops are still present in Nineveh province, based at Camp Bashiq, 70 kilometres west of Iraqi Kurdistan capital of Erbil.

Iraqi parliament rejects ‘occupying’ Turkish military mandate in N.Iraq

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occupation-of-n-iraqA Turkish military base in Bashiqa near the Iraqi city of Mosul. Photo: Rudaw

Baghdad, Iraq—The Iraqi parliament, in a majority vote, has rejected an extension of the mandate of Turkish troops in Iraq and called for a review of relations with Turkey.

The lawmakers also asked for the government of Iraq to file a complaint against Turkey at the United Nations and the UN Security Council. They want the government to formally describe Turkish troops as an “occupying” force.

In addition, the parliament demanded the Turkish ambassador be summoned to receive a letter critical of Turkey’s presence in Iraq.

In Iraq’s northern Nineveh Province, Turkey deployed military advisors to train Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Sunni Hashd al-Watani militia to fight ISIS in that province last year. Baghdad has been demanding Turkish forces withdraw since last December when Turkey sent additional military forces to protect its base in Bashiqa, near Mosul, from ISIS attacks, without the explicit authorization of the Iraqi government.

On Saturday, the Turkish parliament voted to extend the army’s military mandates in both Iraq and Syria, where Turkish forces are trying to establish a 5,000 square kilometre safe zone along its border.

Iraq rejects Erdogan comments on Turkey’s participation in Mosul battle

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Source: Xinhua   2016-10-03 20:19:34

BAGHDAD, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) — The Iraqi Foreign Ministry on Monday rejected recent comments by the Turkish president over Ankara’s willingness to join in the imminent battle to flush out Islamic State (IS) militants from their last major stronghold in Mosul.

“The Iraqi Foreign Ministry rejects the repeated comments made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the battle to liberate Mosul,” a ministry spokesman said in a statement.

Such comments “represent a blatant interference in Iraqi internal affairs and a violation of principles in bilateral relations and good neighborliness,” the spokesman said in the online statement.

Ankara has ignored Baghdad’s repeated calls for withdrawing Turkish troops deployed on Iraqi territories, he added.

The Iraqi statement came after Erdogan’s comments on Saturday during a parliamentary session, in which Turkish legislators voted for an extension of the mandate of Turkish forces in Syria and Iraq for one more year.

The mandate, given to the Turkish armed forces in 2014, was last extended for one year in September 2015.

Erdogan said Mosul could be freed from IS militants but warned that Ankara had to be involved in any operation and be included in the decision-making process.

“Turkey cannot be left off the table. The others don’t have such a border (with Iraq),” he said. “They may want us to stay as spectators but that decision is also going to be made here.”

The deployment of hundreds of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, however, has caused a row between Turkey and Iraq as Baghdad repeatedly said that the Turkish forces had entered Iraqi territories without the knowledge of the Iraqi government, which viewed their presence as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.

However, the Turkish government said that withdrawing Turkish troops from Iraq is out of the question and that the Turkish soldiers are in Iraq as part of an international mission to train and equip Iraqi forces fighting the IS group.

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga Commander: We don’t want Turkey in Mosul operation

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peshmerga-no-turkey-mosulKirkuk Peshmerga Commander said the Iraqi central government and coalition forces do not want Turkey’s involvement in the Mosul operation, adding: “If Turkey partakes in this operation, I guess this could end up in clashes with Iraqi forces.”

Kirkuk Peshmerga Commander Wıstan Resul spoke to ANF about the operation to liberate Mosul which is expected to start soon.

Resul stated that: “Peshmerga forces will advance from east of Mosul. Their progress continues and they have taken control over a large part of this line. However, peshmerga forces will not enter the city centre of Mosul. We are waiting for the beginning of the operation which is being determined by the coalition forces and the Iraqi central government.”

Resul remarked that they expect the battle to last long and be severe, saying: “In consideration of the preparations being made, I guess a major battle could develop in Mosul city centre and attacks with multiple battle methods could take place, especially on the other side of the river.”

Resul pointed out that they, the Iraqi central government and coalition forces do not want Turkey’s involvement in the Mosul operation, adding: “If Turkey partakes in this operation, I guess this could end up in clashes with Iraqi forces.”

Kirkuk Peshmerga Commander Wıstan Resul also spoke about the Hawija operation which -he said- they were running in coordination with the Iraqi central government.

“Operational forces have taken up their positions and we have already determined how they will move. We will make a statement once the time for the operation comes”, he added.

Source: http://www.anfenglish.com/kurdistan/peshmerga-commander-we-don-t-want-turkey-in-mosul-operation

https://youtu.be/nWatPqUkG8U

Mosul offensive to displace a million people, UNHCR warns

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A member of Iraqi counterterrorism forces stands guard near graffiti supportive of the "Islamic State" after expelling the group from Fallujah

A member of Iraqi counterterrorism forces stands guard near graffiti supportive of the “Islamic State” after expelling the group from Fallujah

UNHCR’s Iraq chief has warned ‘one of the largest manmade disasters’ in modern history would follow the military campaign later this year. Some 60,000 people have already fled the city since Iraq announced its plans.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) chief in Iraq on Thursday warned that up to one million people could need assistance in the wake of a military offensive to reclaim Mosul from the so-called “Islamic State” militant group.

“Mosul has the potential to be one of the largest man made disasters for many, many years,” UNHCR Iraq director Bruno Geddo said at a press conference in Geneva. “More than a million could be displaced as a result of the forthcoming offensive.”

“We are planning for at least 700,000 who will be in need of assistance, shelter, food, water, everything that you need in a situation of humanitarian disaster,” Geddo added.

However, the UN refugee agency does not have sufficient resources to host all those expected to flee the war zone, lacking capacities to offer the necessary humanitarian aid for about 400,000 people. The Iraqi government said it would provide emergency accommodation for an additional 150,000 people.

The offensive is expected to being as early as October, although it is more likely to take place towards the end of the year, Geddo noted.

The IS group rose to notoriety in June 2014. Then, it launched a major ground offensive to expand its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, culminating in the group seizing control of Mosul, one of Iraq’s largest cities.

The US-led coalition against the militant group has been preparing with Iraqi forces, including tribal militias, to wrestle the city out of the militant group’s control.

More than 60,000 people have fled Mosul and surrounding areas since March, when the Iraqi army first announced it would was preparing for the military campaign.

Iraq denies presence of coalition forces in Mosul libration operations

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mosul-liberation-2The Iraqi military has denied the participation of foreign troops in the upcoming operation to liberate Mosul from the hands of Daesh terrorists.

“Troops participating in the plan to liberate Iraqi cities, including Mosul, are purely Iraqi,” said spokesman for Iraq’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Brigadier-general Yehia Rasoul on Sunday.

He noted that forces taking part in the operation will namely be the Iraqi army, anti-terrorism forces, the federal police, and the Popular Mobilization Units.

“The presence of the international coalition forces is meant for intelligence exchange, carrying out airstrikes against Daesh and training and arming Iraqi forces,” he added.

Rasoul made the announcement after media reports that the US was seeking to send 500 more troops into Iraq ahead of the operations to retake Mosul.

Over the last few months, Iraq has been preparing for the assault on Daesh in Mosul, the country’s second largest city which slipped into the hands of the terrorists in the summer of 2014. Government forces have managed to recapture all the other places that Daesh had seized, with the last major one being the city of Fallujah, about 50 kilometers west of the capital Baghdad, which was liberated in late June.

Violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh launched an offensive in the country in June 2014, and seized territory.Iraqi army soldiers and fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units are seeking to win back militant-held regions in joint operations.

Iraqi forces reach center of key town near Mosul

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shergat-libratedIraqi military and volunteer forces have reached the center of a strategic town near the Daesh stronghold of Mosul.

Iraqi army troops and pro-government volunteers on Thursday seized the center of Shirqat, a key town located 100 km south of Mosul, a source with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command in Salahuddin Province said.

The Arabic-language al-Sumeria television said Iraqi troops had taken control of the governor’s office in the town and hoisted the Iraqi flag over the building.

The network also said the town had been “liberated.” It seems, however, that areas of the town still remain to be purged of the terrorists.

Three army personnel were purportedly killed during clashes with Daesh terrorists in the town.

Army troops and allied fighters had earlier managed to free villages surrounding Shirqat.

Mosul, which is the second largest city in Iraq, has been under the Daesh control for more than two years.

Iraqi security forces have been closing in on the city in recent operations to retake it.

Violence has plagued the northern and western parts of Iraq ever since Daesh launched an offensive in the country in June 2014, and seized territory.

Documentary trailer “Havresc: Stand on Courage” historical village was started after the 1915 #ArmenianGenocide,

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Armenian Village north of Iraq,

Armenian Village north of Iraq,

**PRESS RELEASE**
by David Ritter and narration by Michael Schmidt.

The last remaining Armenian Village of Iraq, is featured in a documentary by David Ritter and narration by Michael Schmidt. This historical village was started after the 1915 Genocide of Armenians by the families that took refugee from Ottoman era Turkey to Iraq. Today 150 brave families remain,(500+ Armenians) a few Yezidi and Assyrian families.
“Havresc: Stand on Courage” explores the visit of Orange County native Michael Schmidt to N. Iraq, who only knew that Christians needed help in Iraq. What Michael discovered was this historical village “Havresc”.

This great documentary will show at the Glendale International Film Festival (September 28-October 5th) expanded 8 days and 2 theaters. “Havresc: Stand on Courage” scheduled show times are Saturday 10/1 @10:00 pm with a informal discussion beforehand with Michael Schmidt (half Armenian) and fundraiser for our brave Armenian brothers who fight off ISIS. It will be at the MGN 5 Star Cinema @128 N. Maryland Ave., Glendale, CA. “Havresc: Stand on Courage” will play a second time on Tuesday , October 4th @ 8:00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased online
Saturday, October 1, 2016 @10:00 pm goo.gl/cMxHzx
Tuesday, October 4, 2016  @8:00 pm  goo.gl/OwDWSt

Documentary trailer “HAVRESC: Stand On Courage”:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLSD0QfMV8E
Michael Schmidt:  ph. 949-294-1978  (MSHbot@aol.com)
David Ritter          ph. 978-835-9678

https://youtu.be/_eA4Wh71Me8

Also Available for interviews
Other films of interest to Armenian viewers:

“Killing Ed” – Sunday, October 2, 2016 @ 7:00 pm (Story of the Gulen Turkish Movement and charter schools in the USA)

“Aram Aram” – Friday, October 1, 2016 @ 8:00 pm (About a young Armenian boy who leaves Lebanon to live in Little Armenia, USA)

“Our Last Stand” – Tuesday, October 4, 2016 @8:00 pm (Helma a Assyrian American teachers venture to Syria and Iraq)
Article here from the National Catholic Registry http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/100-years-of-genocide-christians-under-siege-in-iraq-and-syria-featured-in/

http://www.glendaleinternationalfilmfestival.com/
Preview and list of 100+ films selected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofQ-3mSORRQ

To help fund this project go to – https://www.gofundme.com/xkptuc
website – havresc.com
facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/havresc/?not…
Havresc: Stand on courage is a documentary on the struggles of Armenian and Assyrian Christian Iraqis and the village they have formed on the edge os ISIS controlled territory.
Standing in the face of adversity, bigotry, hatred and oppression they have protected themselves from the Islamic state and created a community that is a home to all Christians facing persecution.
Directed by David Ritter.

https://youtu.be/iLSD0QfMV8E

Iraqi troops in full control of Qayyarah near Mosul

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qayyarah-controlIraqi forces have managed to recapture the northern town of Qayyarah from the grip of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in their push to conduct a major liberation operation in the nearby city of Mosul.

“We control all parts of the town and managed, in very limited time, to root out Daesh,” Lieutenant General Riyadh Jalal Tawfik, who commands Iraq’s ground forces, was quoted by AFP as saying on Thursday.

The commander further noted that engineering units were clearing Qayyarah of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The Iraqi troops launched the Qayarah operation on Tuesday, more than a month after retaking the Qayyarah air field,

Qayyarah, which fell to Daesh in 2014, lies on the western bank of Tigris River, some 60 kilometers (35 miles) south of Mosul. The town is expected to be used as a launchpad for the upcoming operation in Mosul.

Abadi hails Qayyarah liberation

Iraqi Prime Minster Haider al-Abadi also issued a statement, in which he described the Qayyarah recapture as a major move by the army on the road to Mosul, the last remaining bastion for Daesh in the north of the country.

He also congratulated the Iraqi people on the liberation of Qayyarah and its neighboring areas.

“Our heroic forces achieved a big victory, an important step towards the liberation of Mosul,” Abadi said.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s Ministry of Defense said the army’s 9th division and the country’s elite special forces took part in the offensive in Qayyarah, which was supported by the US-led coalition’s air cover.

The Iraqi army is gearing up for a major offensive in late September to purge Daesh from Mosul, the country’s second city. Iraqi forces have managed to wrest control of several areas in the southern parts of the city.

Kurdish Peshmerga forces liberate 6 villages east of Mosul

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This photo provided by Kurdish-language Rudaw television network shows Kurdish Peshmerga forces during an anti-Daesh military operation in Khazar region, northern Iraq, on August 14, 2016.

This photo provided by Kurdish-language Rudaw television network shows Kurdish Peshmerga forces during an anti-Daesh military operation in Khazar region, northern Iraq, on August 14, 2016.

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces have liberated five villages near Mosul from Takfiri Daesh militants as army troops and allied fighters are battling to drive the terrorists out of the militant-held northern city.

Peshmerga launched an operation in Khazar region east of Mosul at around 5:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT) on Sunday, and managed to establish full control over the villages of Tal Hamid, Qarqasha, Abzakh and Dasht Takh following fierce exchanges of gunfire with Daesh militants, Kurdish-language Rudaw television network reported.

The report added that two vehicles rigged with explosives were destroyed during the operations. It, however, stopped short of specifying casualties on the ranks of Daesh Takfiris and Kurdish forces.

Kurdish sources, requesting anonymity, said Peshmerga troopers are poised to recapture at least 11 villages from Daesh during Sunday’s offensive.

Having suffered severe blows on the battleground near Mosul, Daesh terrorists have stepped up their acts of terror against civilians and security forces there.

In another development on Saturday, Iraqi media quoted Amir Wasiq, a senior police official in Nineveh Province, as saying that Daesh militants executed 60 ex-officers for cooperating with Iraqi intelligence services in an area south of Mosul.

Mosul fell into the hands of the Takfiri terrorists in June 2014 when they launched an offensive in Iraq.

Hisham al-Hashimi, a consultant to the Baghdad government on the anti-Daesh campaign, recently said a large-scale offensive for the liberation of Mosul was slated for late September.

Last week, Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi said high-ranking Daesh militant commanders and their families had sold their belongings and fled Mosul as Iraqi forces were closing in on the city.

The Iraqi army and fighters from the Popular Mobilization units have been engaged in joint operations to retake militant-held regions.

Source: presstv.com