ANKARA, December 11 (Sputnik) — On December 4, Turkey deployed about 150 troops and 25 tanks to a base in the Iraqi Nineveh province, without Baghdad’s approval.
"Now, many countries are conducting operations in Iraq, but we significantly differ from them, because terrorism in this country [Iraq] is a constant source of threat for Turkey. Currently, the country [Iraq], which is under occupation by the Islamic State terrorists, couldn't do anything about it. If Iraqi government can't take any measures against terrorist attacks, we will take them," Erdogan said.
After Ankara deployed troops, Iraq stressed that the Turkish military presence had not been requested, and the government planned to lodge a formal complaint with the UN Security Council within two days over Turkey's unsanctioned military presence in the country unless Turkish troops leave Iraqi ground.
