Bednarek: We are following up on the situation in Iraq, and on the Iraqi efforts to fight terrorism. We are cooperating in this field by communicating with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. Lately, we supplied Iraq with the necessary weapons to counter terrorism.
Since the eruption of the security problem and its aggravated ramifications in December 2013, and late January 2014 in Anbar, the US government has assisted the Iraqi armed forces, through the Iraqi federal government, by providing information and arms to resolve the battle against terrorism and enable Iraq to counter this grave danger. Since Jan. 17, 2014, the US has sent 14 million shells and rounds. The munitions consist of rifle rounds and Hellfire missiles. The US has also delivered nearly 7,000 pieces of weapons, namely rifles, rockets and rocket launchers. All of these shipments were sent to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and armed terrorist groups, and they came in response to the Iraqi government’s demands to urgently fight terrorism.
The latest shipment of weapons arrived on April 23, and we have shipped 800 cannon rounds. The next shipment consists of 99 Hellfire rockets and 1,000 tank rounds. Regardless of the amount and type of weapons, the US is still committed to its obligations in the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. It is a clear evidence to the partnership with Iraq, because we do not have any other ally that receives such a significant support in the security and defense sector.
Azzaman: Are there any other partnerships within the framework of countering terrorism?
Bednarek: Yes, there are many partnerships as clearly demonstrated by the presence of liaison officers between the US military and the Iraqi military. When these challenges end, we will consider further developing these partnerships. In addition, we have a partnership that consists of supporting and training the Counter Terrorism Bureau and its members to fight the ISIS and al-Qaeda. We have found that, as terrorism is escalating in Iraq, extraordinary efforts need to be deployed to support Iraq in this field.
Azzaman: How do you view the US-Iraqi cooperation at the intelligence level and its role in combating terrorism ?
Bednarek: I agree with you that there is a vital need to share information, not only at the intelligence level, but also in all areas in order to counter terrorism.
There is a partnership between the US and the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Bureau and the Ministry of Defense, which allowed the Iraqi military forces to better maneuver, especially since they need intelligence information. Thus, the US is providing them with aerial maps, given the need to be informed about the movements of opposition and terrorist forces that act against the Iraqi government.
Azzaman: What did your efforts in the intelligence training sector accomplish so far?
Bednarek: The intelligence training is crucial, and based on the US-Iraqi partnership records, we have provided Iraq with aerial photographs of terrorism spots. Thus, this support will continue.
Iraq is working today on developing its intelligence capabilities through various techniques, such as cybersecurity and the management of airships for further aerial intelligence. We are also conducting ongoing talks with the Iraqi side, whether in the Ministry of Interior or Ministry of Defense, in order to sign a deal to buy airships from the US so as to reduce armed and terrorist operations in Iraq.
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