Iraq to Turkey: Meddling will result in prolonged regional conflict

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has warned Turkey that meddling in Iraq’s internal affairs will only result in a prolonged conflict in the region.

According to Press TV, Abadi made the remarks during a meeting with high-ranking commanders of the Popular Mobilization Units on Wednesday.

The Popular Mobilization Units, allied with the Iraqi army, have been an efficient force in attempts to retake areas from the Daesh Takfiri terrorists who have mounted an offensive in the country.

Abadi stressed that Baghdad was harboring serious concerns over Ankara’s intended plans for the country’s second-largest city of Mosul, adding that any interference in the northern city would result in an extended and bloody war in the region.

In early December 2015, Turkey deployed a contingent of its troops to the Bashiqa military camp north of Mosul, claiming that the move had been earlier coordinated with Iraqi officials. Baghdad swiftly denied the claim and called on Ankara to immediately withdraw its forces from the camp.

Mosul fell into the hands of the Takfiris in June 2014, when they began their terror campaign in Iraq.

ME