LOC19:19
16:19 GMT
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi
LONDON, Oct 1 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has announced opposition to any Arab airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) targets in Iraq.
In a televised interview with the BBC, Al-Abadi laid it bare that he "totally" opposes Arab nations joining air strikes against Islamic State in his country.
He stated that the international coalition's air power had "filled many gaps" in Iraq's fight against ISIL.
Al-Abadi added Iraq's army would defeat ISIL "if we have good air cover".
He, however, underlined that no foreign ground troops were needed.
"We are very clear we will not accept any troops on the ground except Iraqi troops," he added. (end)
kd.ibi