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Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says 'no' to international ground forces

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi told Australian Defense Minister David Johnston on Monday that he does not support the insertion of international ground forces into Iraq.

By JC Finley
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ruled out international ground forces in Iraq. (RedWolf343/CC/Wikimedia Commons)
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has ruled out international ground forces in Iraq. (RedWolf343/CC/Wikimedia Commons)

BAGHDAD, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- During a meeting with Australian Defense Minister David Johnston in Baghdad on Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi stated his objection to international ground forces in Iraq.

Abadi was instead optimistic that Iraqi Security Forces and local mobilized elements would be able to successfully battle Islamic State militants on the ground.

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Last week, U.S. President Barack Obama -- who is leading an international coalition to combat IS -- said the U.S. would not deploy ground troops into Iraq again. "After a decade of massive ground deployments," Obama said in his address, "it is more effective to use our unique capabilities in support of partners on the ground so they can secure their own countries' futures."

Australia has pledged fighter jets to aid the U.S.-led airstrike efforts. On Monday, Johnston told reporters, "We are in the process of deploying them to the Middle East."

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