Iraqi premier vows to respond to attacks from Syria

By Ali Jawad

BAGHDAD

Premier Haidar Abadi on Tuesday gave instructions to Iraqi forces to deal with any terrorist attack even if it came from inside Syrian territories.

"We have ordered security forces to deal with any attack even if it came from inside Syrian territory," Abadi told a news conference after a weekly Cabinet meeting.

Abadi did not clarify the mechanism under which security operations would be carried out inside the Syrian territory; however, Iraqi fighter jets have repeatedly launched air raids on the strongholds of Daesh terrorist organization in border areas with Syria.

The prime minister also said Iraqi forces were in control of oil refineries in north.

"Our forces control all disputed areas, and Baghdad continues to supply the refineries of the region with oil," he said.

He also warned about threats to countries in the region and Europe.

"I am warning of a serious terrorist threat, and Europe and the countries of the region are not safe," he said.