Iraq May Take Economic Measures Against Turkey if Troops Not Withdrawn

Iraq could turn to economic limitations if Turkey does not withdraw its troops from Iraqi territory, according to an Iraqi government source.

BAGHDAD (Sputnik) – Iraq will turn to the UN Security Council and the League of Arab Nations, as well as implement economic measures against Turkey if Ankara refuses to withdraw its troops from Iraqi soil, an Iraqi government source told Sputnik on Tuesday.

On Friday, Turkey deployed up to 150 military personnel to northern Iraq's Nineveh province, without Baghdad’s approval, allegedly to provide training to Kurdish militia engaged fighting terrorists.

"The country’s government will turn to the UN Security Council, the League of Arab Nations, and will also turn to economic limitations if Turkey refuses to respect our friendly neighborly relations and does not withdraw [its troops] from Iraqi territory," the source said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi said the deployment of Turkish servicemen on Iraqi territory had been carried out without the consent and knowledge of the Iraqi authorities and represented a violation of sovereignty and a breach of the principles of good neighborliness.

Abadi on Monday gave Turkey 24 hours to withdraw its troops from Iraq to avoid the matter being reviewed by the UN Security Council. Turkey has so far refused to comply with the requirements.