Friday, March 29, 2024

Baghdad

DM accuses corrupt politicians of spreading rumors about a coup

Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi
Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi

 

(IraqiNews.com) On Sunday, Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi accused “corrupt politicians” of spreading rumors about the existence of a coup within the ministry, emphasizing that the return of American ground troops to Iraq needs a political decision and that his ministry is not a party in the matter.

Obeidi said in a press conference attended by IraqiNews.com, “Eight pilots and 15 officers have retired in the former government, including some officers who did not reach the retirement age,” noting that, “The ministry promised to rehire them.”

He added that 42 pilots had been transferred from one place to another within the Air Force to give other officers a chance to get promoted, and accused “corrupt politicians” of spreading rumors about the existence of a coup.

Obeidi stated that there is no coup, and explained, “The Department of Defense is working to deliver the security file in the capital Baghdad to the Interior Ministry.”

Concerning the presence of US ground forces in the country, Obeidi said that the return of US ground forces needs a political decision, and that his ministry is not a party in the matter.

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