The US and several of its European allies on Friday condemned the recent drone attack on US-led forces stationed in Iraqi Kurdistan.
The UK, France, Germany and Italy joined the US in condemning "in the strongest terms" Wednesday's attack at the Erbil International Airport.
“Together, our governments will support the government of Iraq’s investigation into the attacks to ensure that those responsible will be held accountable,” the joint statement said. “We are united in our view that attacks on US and coalition personnel and facilities will not be tolerated and reiterate our steadfast commitment to the fight against ISIS.”
A previously unknown Shiite militia called Al Sabiqoon claimed credit for the drone attack, demanding that the US “leave the whole region".
Iran-backed militias and political factions have called for the withdrawal of US forces, which are currently stationed in Iraq to help Baghdad root out ISIS remnants throughout the country.
Several militias have resumed attacks on US-led forces since President Joe Biden took office earlier this year.
The attacks prompted Mr Biden to launch an air- strike on two Iraqi militias stationed in Syria in February.
The US and Iraq convened their first strategic dialogue under the Biden administration last week at the request of Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi.
A joint US-Iraq statement issued at the end of the strategic dialogue hinted at the “redeployment of any remaining combat forces from Iraq, with the timing to be established in coming technical talks.”
However, that agreement is likely to result in a significant overall reduction in the 2,500 US troops remaining in Iraq given the fact that the vast majority of American forces stationed there are officially serving in an advisory – rather than combat – role.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
UK’s AI plan
- AI ambassadors such as MIT economist Simon Johnson, Monzo cofounder Tom Blomfield and Google DeepMind’s Raia Hadsell
- £10bn AI growth zone in South Wales to create 5,000 jobs
- £100m of government support for startups building AI hardware products
- £250m to train new AI models
Match info
Who: India v Afghanistan
What: One-off Test match, Bengaluru
When: June 14 to 18
TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD, 8am starts
Online: OSN Play (subscribers only)
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
Results
1. New Zealand Daniel Meech – Fine (name of horse), Richard Gardner – Calisto, Bruce Goodin - Backatorps Danny V, Samantha McIntosh – Check In. Team total First round: 200.22; Second round: 201.75 – Penalties 12 (jump-off 40.16 seconds) Prize €64,000
2. Ireland Cameron Hanley – Aiyetoro, David Simpson – Keoki, Paul Kennedy – Cartown Danger Mouse, Shane Breen – Laith. Team total 200.25/202.84 – P 12 (jump-off 51.79 – P17) Prize €40,000
3. Italy Luca Maria Moneta – Connery, Luca Coata – Crandessa, Simone Coata – Dardonge, Natale Chiaudani – Almero. Team total 130.82/198.-4 – P20. Prize €32,000
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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MATCH DETAILS
Barcelona 0
Slavia Prague 0
Results
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If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
