Iraq crisis: Russian fighter jets arrive to hold back Isis approach
Iraq has bought five Su-25s from Russia, with more planes expected to arrive
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The first of the Russian fighter jets that Iraq has bought second-hand to help stop the advance of Isis militants have arrived in the country, after the country’s leader partly blamed the rebels’ success on Iraq’s under-equipped air force.
The five Russian Su-25 planes are expected to enter service in the next three to four days. More of the planes are understood to be arriving soon.
Iraqi air force commander Anwar Hama Amin said the military is "in urgent need of this type of aircraft during this difficult time".
Maliki has said that the country is also hoping to acquire second-hand fighter jets from Belarus. The deals are together thought to be worth about $500 million (£293m).
The United Nations says that more than 1,000 people, largely civilians, have been killed in fighting between Iraqi forces and the rebel Isis forces, who are slowly making their way across the country.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has blamed much of the rebels success on the Iraqi military’s lack of air support. The country signed contracts to buy F-16 jets from the USA, but has been slow in receiving them.
The United States has been assisting the Iraqi government in fighting Isis. The country has deployed armed drones to Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s home town where fighting is raging, but the White House has not yet authorised air strikes against militants and the drones will be used only for ‘force protection’, it said.
Other countries including Iran are thought to have stationed military equipment and forces in the region.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments