Iraqi PM says country 'almost on our own' against ISIS

Smoke rises from Kobane during US-led airstrikes on October 14, 2014. (Photo: REUTERS/Umit Bektas)

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi criticised the US-led, anti-ISIS coalition in an interview published Wednesday.

The political leader said the countries need to provide more support for the military on the ground.

"We are in this almost on our own," he told the Associated Press. "There is a lot being said and spoken, but very little on the ground."

Al-Abadi said that promises made regarding military training and weapons deliveries have not been kept, and their soldiers need more resources to fight the terrorist organisation.

"We want to see an acceleration of the training, acceleration of the delivery of arms," he explained. The prime minister clarified that he is not asking the coalition to put troops on the ground, "but we need support and logistics."

Late last year, the Pentagon asked Congress for $1.6 billion to train and arm Iraqi and Kurdish forces, and $89.3 million in weapons and equipment is expected to be sent to each of the Iraqi army's nine brigades. 

Al-Abadi said the help can't come soon enough. 

"We are fighting very hard to find resources to purchase arms," he reported. "We are left almost alone to get these arms and munitions for the army, for our fighters, and we expect much more."

The US and allied countries have carried out an extensive airstrike campaign against the Islamic State, with over 1,000 attacks being carried out in Iraq and Syria. American officials said the strikes may last for years. 

Al-Abadi expressed thanks for the support, but insisted that more should be done. 

"Bombing from the air has been very, very effective," he said. "We are very thankful for the air campaign to support our military, but I think you cannot achieve big things without a real fight on the ground."

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