Barzani receives General Austin from US Central Command

President of the Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani received General Lloyd Austin, Combatant Commander from the US Central Command and his accompanying delegation consisting of a number of military advisors and US Ambassador to Iraq, Stuart Jones, for constructive talks on the latest security situation and coordinated efforts to defeat terrorism.

During their meeting, they discussed the developments on the front-fields as Peshmerga forces are battling against militants belonging to the so-called Islamic State terrorist organisation across parts of Iraq including Nineveh and Anbar. The US delegation praised Kurdish troops for liberating Sinjar and lauded Mr Barzani's role and courage.

Both sides stressed on the financial hardship in the region and to resolve conflicting issues to address and secure military equipment for Peshmerga fighters whose campaign against IS extremists is threatened by an economic collapse.

In another aspect of their meeting, the two sides focused on the potential liberation of the Iraqi city Mosul and emphasised on the importance of securing a victory against IS and a "heavy blow". They touched on the resources of coalition forces to boost efforts in wiping out IS propaganda.

The meeting was attended Nechirvan Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Region and representatives from the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs