Iraq confirms military readiness to confront any violations

Iraqi Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Shehab Jihad said his country has plans and capabilities to defend its skies and land against any violations.

“The Turkish violations are known through the air defense reports, and there are plans and measures to defend the border,” he said, adding that the reports are followed by orders from higher institutions to study these violations and their gravity and impact.

“The Iraqi Air Force is taking the lead in cracking down on the strongholds of ISIS gangs by supporting the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the defense minister, the army chief of staff and the joint operations command,” he said.

The Iraqi Air Force is capable of providing support to military sectors anywhere, he said. “ISIS gangs have no room to act now, and there is a significant escalation in the pace of killing terrorists.”

“The Iraqi Air Force needs technical and training requirements, which complement skill with the use of weapons, reduce accidents and reflect positive results for personnel, pilots and maintenance personnel,” Gen. Jihad said.

“The Air Force is now in the period of modern planning, and there is a prepared plan that started in 2020 until the end of 2025,” he said. “It includes placing all aircraft operating in the Air Force at a rate of responsibility transfer of more than 80%.”

High-tech, advanced fourth generation aircraft still require continuous training, and work is under way, he said.

At the end of last year, US forces and the international coalition announced a complete withdrawal from security missions by pursuing ISIS in Iraq and switching to advisory missions in accordance with the strategic agreement signed between Baghdad and Washington in 2008.

Since its inception in 2014, the US-led international coalition forces have carried out missions and responsibilities in Iraq under the air cover and in dismantling terrorist hideouts, which resulted in the removal of hundreds of ISIS members, including top-tier leaders.

The Iraqi Air Force Commander disclosed plans to transfer 100% of the responsibility of the Air Force to Iraqi hands.