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Soleimani Expects the Formation of ‘Ideological Army’ in Iraq | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Qassem Soleimani walks near an armoured vehicle at the frontline during offensive operations against Islamic State militants in the town of Tal Ksaiba in Salahuddin province March 8, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer


London– Quds Force Commander Major General Qasem Soleimani reiterated the military role of his troops in Iraq, adding that Iranian military factories worked around the clock to arm Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) after its formation.

He added that Iraqi army is on its way to become ideological, pointing that Lebanese Hezbollah set his full services to help PMF.

Speaking at a mourning ceremony for an Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) fighter in Syria, Soleimani hailed the role of fighters in defeating ISIS in Mosul and noted that the terrorist group has not only targeted Iraq sovereignty, but also it was a big threat against world security.

The general said the entire world is indebted to the Iraqi and Syrian nations for their courageous battle against the terrorists, reported Tasnim News Agency.

Soleimani said that the Iraqi Army can be trusted against any aggression and doesn’t need foreign troops that enforce itself on Iraq claiming it is supporting the army.

He added that through its expertise, Lebanese Hezbollah helped the PMF, adding that it had lost many of its members in Syria and Iraq.

He further lauded the Iraqi religious authority Ali al-Sistani for a leading role in the formation of PMF which resulted in successive victories against ISIS and the recapture of Mosul.

Soleimani hinted towards the diplomatic solutions and Iranian President Hasan Rouhani’s will to solve the current issues through negotiations.

“Sometimes we solve issues through diplomacy, which is good. But, some problems can’t be solved through diplomatic ways,” he said.

He also praised the role of Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, Iraqi government, and the parliament.

For 6 years, IRGC and pro-Iran groups have been participating in the war in Syria alongside Assad troops.

Tehran claims its troops provide “military consultation” based on official request from Damascus and Baghdad.

Lieutenant Commander of IRGC Brigadier General Hossein Salami praised the military might of the IRGC Ground Force, saying the forces have made the country’s borders “immune” from infiltration of foreigners.

Addressing an IRGC ceremony, Salami said that the force has become a strong pillar of the country’s national security in the face of foreign and domestic threats.

Salami described Iran as “a regional force with international influence.”