US State Secretary Rubio meets with Iraqi Prime Minister amidst regional tensions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday, following the transfer of ISIL-linked detainees from Syria to Iraq. According to a statement released by the United States Department of State, Rubio commended the Government of Iraq’s initiative and leadership in expediting the transfer and detention of ISIS terrorists.

The US military announced that it had moved 150 detainees being held in a facility in Hasakah, Syria, to a secure location in Iraq on Wednesday. The military plans to transfer up to 7,000 people to Iraq as part of this effort. This move represents a shift in the US approach to its fight against ISIL, which previously relied heavily on a partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Iraq is expected to see a new government take power soon, with Nouri al-Maliki returning as prime minister after more than 10 years. Rubio stated that Iraq can fully realize its potential as a force for stability and security in the Middle East. He also emphasized that a government controlled by Iran cannot successfully prioritize Iraq’s own interests.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that an “armada” of warships was heading towards the Gulf, with Iran as its focal point. The US has been moving its military assets in the region amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Source: Al Jazeera