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Iraq Seeks More Coalition Training for Police

Iraq Seeks More Coalition Training for Police
Iraq Seeks More Coalition Training for Police

Senior US defense and military officials say Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is asking the coalition for more police training, particularly for Sunnis who will have to secure Ramadi and other towns once the self-styled Islamic State militants are ousted.

Abadi specifically asked for more trainers during talks with US Defense Secretary Ash Carter this week at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, the officials was quoted as saying by AP.

Aided by coalition airstrikes, Iraqi security forces retook Ramadi last month. Iraq’s trained local police then moved in to help secure the town. The local police were able to take over more quickly than initially anticipated, allowing more skilled Iraqi security and counterterrorism forces to move on to other operations, the US officials said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss publicly the private conversation.

Carter has asked coalition members to beef up their contributions to the fight against IS in Iraq and Syria. And one of the several key priorities is trainers. The issue is particularly critical as security forces retake towns in the largely Sunni areas held by IS.

 

Financialtribune.com