Iraqi president, PM discuss security developments following ISIS attack

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi President Barham Salih met with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Baghdad on Saturday to discuss the recent security developments in Iraq, as well as combating Islamic State (ISIS) remnants following an attack by the terror group that left several soldiers dead.

"During the meeting, the overall general situation in the country was discussed, stressing the importance of protecting the security and stability of citizens, pursing ISIS remnants, blocking the path to its [ISIS] criminal attempts to target the security of the country, and providing all support to the security forces in carrying out their vital tasks" reads a Twitter statement from Salih's office. 

Salih and Kadhimi also touched on the need to bring together Iraq's forces. 

According to Salih's office, "the importance of uniting national forces in order to achieve security and stability, initiate national constitutional entitlements, and focus on meeting citizens' needs and aspirations for a free and dignified life," were also stressed.

Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have seen an influx of ISIS attacks in recent months. 

In the early hours of Friday morning, the country saw the deadliest ISIS attack on the Iraqi army in 2022 thus far, when the terror group attacked an Iraqi base in Diyala province, killing eleven soldiers. The offensive was widely condemned. 

On Friday morning, the Iraqi premier's military spokesperson stressed the need to weaken ISIS's financial resources to prevent future attacks.

"We wait for Daesh [ISIS] to attack us. We have to work on weakening its financial resources. We will [also] use our planes [to attack ISIS], confront Daesh through aerial and ground operations. All our efforts aim to prevent Daesh attacks," Yehia Rasool, Kadhimi's military spokesperson, told Rudaw. 

ISIS militants mainly take shelter in a security vacuum in areas disputed between Erbil and Baghdad, stretching across several provinces including Kirkuk, Salahaddin, and Diyala.

Iraqi and Kurdish officials are in protracted talks to form two joint brigades in these areas. According to the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Peshmerga Jabar Yawar, the joint brigades are set to be formed within this month.