Defense Minister Meets His US Counterpart

BAGHDAD / NINA/ Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi reviewed with his US counterpart Ashton Carter, the military situation in the operations' sectors. Information Office of Defense Minister said in a press release: "al-Obeidi, held a lengthy meeting with Carter, during which he provided a detailed explanation about the position of the armed forces in the operations' sectors ". The statement quoted al-Obeidi as saying: "The armed forces have achieved major victories in Anbar and Salahuddin as well as the continuation of training and combat readiness for the Liberation of Nineveh province, which is the final battle for the remnants of terrorism." Obeidi confirmed the need for continued international support for Iraq in the field of training and armament, while Carter congratulated Iraqi armed forces for the triumphs against Daash, stressing the continuation of his country's support for territorial integrity of Iraq through increasing support by the international coalition forces. The US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter arrived in Baghdad this morning in a surprise visit at the head of a military delegation, and met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and discussed with him security developments in Iraq and the region. US Secretary of Defense discussed in Turkey yesterday promoting ways to combat the terrorist organization (Daash) in Iraq and Syria. / End