Turkish Military Enters Mosul On Iraqi Training Mission

Turkish military battalion in hundreds has been deployed in northern Iraqi city of Mosul for training exercises with anti-Islamic State forces.

A source said the troops have taken their position in the Mosul Bashiqa region, about 30 kilometers from city of Mosul that is under the control of Islamic State since June 2014.

Iraqi prime minister’s media office has confirmed the entry of Turkish soldiers near Mosul without any request or permission from the government. The forces have been called to leave immediately.

Meanwhile, Iraqi foreign ministry has called the activity as an incursion.

A Turkish official however said the troops are in Mosul to train Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

Turkey and Kurdish autonomous zone of northern Iraqi enjoys close relations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s office said foreign assistance is welcomed but need to have a proper approval from the government.

He added further Iraq does not need foreign ground combat troops.