Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Top U.S. General: Russian Air Campaign In Iraq Not Needed

Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford testifies during the Senate Armed Services committee nomination hearing to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 9, 2015. REUTERS/YURI GRIPAS

Reuters: Top U.S. general plays down chances of Russian air campaign in Iraq

U.S. Marine General Joseph Dunford played down the chances of Russia waging an air campaign against Islamic State in Iraq in the near future as he made his first trip to Iraq as the top U.S. military official.

Russia's military intervention in Syria and its participation in a new Baghdad-based intelligence-sharing cell with Iran, Syria and Iraq has raised concerns in Washington that its Cold War rival is gaining influence in the Middle East.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Oct. 1, the same day Dunford took over as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that he would welcome Russian air strikes against Islamic State militants in his country.

But Dunford said U.S. officials had since been reassured that Abadi had made no such request to Moscow.

WNU Editor: The fact that General Dunford made these remarks is very revealing. It tells me that what Russia is doing in Syria is on his mind .... and yes .... he is probably hearing the rumours in Iraq  that the Russians are coming

More News On U.S. General Dunford Playing Down The Chances Of A Russia Air Campaign Against Islamic State in Iraq

Gen. Dunford flies to Iraq, says Russian strikes not needed -- AP
Top US general: No plans for Russian airstrikes in Iraq -- The Hill
U.S. military chief: Iraq doesn't want Russian help -- USA Today
US Army chief: Russia unlikely to expand airstrikes to Iraq -- Times of Israel
US Military Official: Abadi “Did Not Request Russian Airstrikes” -- Bas News

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