Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 7
By Umid Niayesh - Trend:
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu discussed the latest developments in Iraq, in particular fights in Anbar Province, in a phone call, IRNA news agency reported on Jan. 7.
Davutoglu also has talked with Iraqi parliament Speaker, Osama Al-Nujaifi on the issue.
Fighters of the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)" seized key towns in Anbar province, out of Fallujah last week.
Iraq's prime minister has urged residents and tribes in Fallujah to drive out al-Qaeda-linked fighters to avoid an all-out battle in the besieged city.
Government forces have shelled and launched multiple air strikes against fighters over the past week, whilst armed Sunni tribesmen from the area are fighting on both sides. Officials say dozens of armed men have been killed, but the number of casualties among civilians, security forces and tribal fighters is not yet clear.
Two local tribal leaders in Fallujah said meetings were being held with clerics and community leaders to find a way to persuade fighters from ISIL to leave the city and avert further violence.
Edited by C.N.