x

NATO willing to expand Iraqi training mission to meet Trump demand

Senior officials and diplomats on Tuesday said NATO is considering an increase to its training mission in Iraq to relieve the burden on the U.S. led coalition against Islamic State.

NATO and the coalition have non-combat `train-and-advise’ missions, which aim to develop Iraqi security forces but both are suspended over fears for regional stability after a U.S. drone strike killed a top Iranian commander in Baghdad on Jan. 3.

After the killing, U.S. President Donald Trump called on NATO, founded in 1949 to contain a military threat from the Soviet Union to do more in the Middle East but he has not specified publicly what that might entail.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO defense ministers including U.S. Secretary of State Mark Esper will discuss options for non-combat operations in the Middle East at a two-day meeting in Brussels starting on Wednesday.

“We are discussing what more NATO can do,’’ he told reporters, adding that the alliance would first seek to restart the training with the Iraqi government’s blessing.

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison said the alliance was also seeking military advice, both from NATO and Iraq, on how to increase the mission, but gave no details.

“I think it will definitely be the answer to what President Trump has requested,’’ she said.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalistAs...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Abuja-Keffi road project: CHEC assures of June 2026 completion date

Lucy OmakpoThe Federal Government has expressed its commitment to...

Chinese Pingtan Art Performance Strengthens Cultural Ties in Abuja

In a bid to enhance cultural exchange and foster...

North-Central APC Forum to Sule: Declare stance on Tinubu

By Israel Adamu, Jos The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC,...

Plateau Youth Leader Prince Miaphen bags SALSA award

By Israel Adamu, JosFormer President of Plateau Youth Alliance,...

Delegates arrive Lagos for Okpe Union’s 95th anniversary, NEC elections

Delegates from the seven continents of the world have...

2027 is a done deal for Gov Uba Sani, President Tinubu – Rep. Amos Magaji

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaA Member representing Zangon kataf/Jaba federal...

Daybreak Nigeria reporter, Idibia Gabriel, receives Courage In Journalism Award

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development...

Rivers to Pay Over N2.8 Billion in Pension Arrears to 583 Retirees on Monday

…Ibok-Ette Ibas Launches Seamless Payment Reform to End Years...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img