Iraq Seeks Russian, International Assistance in Fighting Terrorism

Baghdad seeks the participation of multiple countries, including Russia, in the counterterrorism operation in Iraq, government spokesman Saad Hadithi said Tuesday.

CAIRO (Sputnik) – According to Hadithi, Baghdad needs regional and international support, including intelligence and arms deliveries.

"We strive for broad international involvement of large countries, inducing Russia, within the framework of efforts of the international community to fight terrorism in Iraq… All work in this area, carried out in coordination with the Iraqi government, is welcomed," Hadithi told RIA Novosti.

Iraq, along with neighboring Syria, has been suffering from the advance of the Daesh terrorist group, which is outlawed in Russia and the Untied States and many other countries. NATO is not formally engaged in the military campaign against the Daesh, but individual members are contributing to military efforts against the terror group in both Syria and Iraq.