Esper calls on Iraq to take measures against targeting American forces

On Monday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper called on Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to take steps to prevent bombardments of bases that include American forces.

16 December, 2019 11:09

NEWS DESK

A statement issued by the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office stated that US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Monday urged Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to take steps to prevent the bombing of bases that include American forces.

Esper's call came after a senior US military official last week warned that attacks by Iranian-backed groups on bases where US forces are stationed in Iraq were pushing all sides into an uncontrollable escalation.

Missile attacks targeting Iraqi bases have increased, with members of the US-led coalition stationed in recent weeks, with no party claiming responsibility for any party.

The US military official said that intelligence analyzes accuse the Iranian-backed forces.

A statement issued by Abdul-Mahdi's office was quoted as saying that during a phone call, Esper expressed his concern about the bombing of some facilities and the need to take measures to stop them.

J.O