Iraqi Official Praises Russian Arms Pivotal Role in Defeating Daesh

Russian-made weapons purchased by Iraq played a crucial role in many battles with Daesh terrorist group, Iraqi National Security Adviser Faleh Fayad told Sputnik on Tuesday.

CAIRO (Sputnik) — Russia previously delivered a number of arms to Iraq, most notably Sukhoi Su-25 and Sukhoi Su-30 military jets, among others.

"In fighting Daesh, we used the military planes which Russia delivered. The aircraft, as well as the anti-tank weapons used against explosive-packed armored vehicles, played a decisive role in many battles," Fayad said.

On July 20, the Russian president's aide on defense industry cooperation, Vladimir Kozhin, said Russia and Iraq signed a contract for the delivery of a "large batch" of modernized T-90 main battle tanks which had shown their worth in Syria.

In early July, Russia’s Uralvagonzavod, the tank's manufacturer, said the first shipment of 73 T-90s was scheduled for this year.

In July, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi announced that Iraqi troops managed to liberate the country's second-largest city of Mosul, which was previously captured by Daesh terrorists. Last week, the beginning of the military offensive aimed at retaking Tal Afar, the last remaining stronghold of the terrorist group in Iraq, was announced.