Obama, Erdogan discuss Turkish troops in northern Iraq

ANKARA

U.S. President Barack Obama asked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to take additional steps in order to ease the tension with Baghdad with regards to the Turkish troops in the northern part of Iraq.

The two leaders discussed the recent developments between Turkey and Iraq as they spoke over the phone late Friday, Turkish presidential sources said.

Erdogan reiterated that Turkish troops in northern Iraq were there to fight against Daesh. Turkey supports and respects the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq, he added.

Their conversation came after Turkish troops were wounded when a training base in northern Iraq was hit by Daesh on Wednesday.​

They agreed that Turkey, the U.S. and Iraq should cooperate to fight against Daesh in the region.

The presence of Turkish troops in Bashiqa​ had created tension between Ankara and Baghdad. Turkish authorities have continuously said the troops were there as part of the fight against terrorism.