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Abadi opposes Arab strikes in Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has told the BBC he "totally" opposes Arab nations joining air strikes against Islamic State in his country. In an interview, he said Western air power had "filled many gaps" in Iraq's fight against the jihadist group. Several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, have joined the international coalition […]

BBC reports :

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has told the BBC he "totally" opposes Arab nations joining air strikes against Islamic State in his country. In an interview, he said Western air power had "filled many gaps" in Iraq's fight against the jihadist group. Several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan, have joined the international coalition against IS. Their aircraft have carried out strikes in Syria, but only those from the US, UK and France have hit targets in Iraq. On Wednesday evening, France said it would send a further three fighter jets and a warship to the Gulf to support the fight against IS. According to the French military, the Rafale jets would be deployed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing to nine the total number of French aircraft operating from a base there.