Foreign military bases not welcome in Iraq

Iraqi National Security Adviser Falih al-Fayyadh says the Baghdad government is vehemently opposed to the presence of foreign military bases on its territory.

“We will not accept any foreign military bases — or foreign ground forces — in Iraq,” Fayyadh said in a statement released on Wednesday.

He added that exceptions, however, could be made for advisors and instructors working upon an official request from the Iraqi government.

Fayyadh further highlighted that the advisors “provide our forces with logistics and training within the context of the ongoing fight against Daesh (Takfiri terrorist group).”