World War 3: Iraq 'JOINS FORCES' with Syria, Russia and Iran as US tensions risk SOARING

The Iraqi military has previously largely targeted ISIS jihadists in Iraq in coordination with a US backed coalition and Iran, following lengthy conflicts including the Battle of Mosul.

Their latest missile campaign comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi indicated he may engage more heavily in military interventions against ISIS in Syria, threatening the already volatile geopolitical relations between the US and Iran.

Prime Minister Abadi commented on the airstrikes, saying: “Our heroic armed forces carried out deadly airstrikes on Thursday against positions of ISIS terrorist gangs in Syria by the Iraqi border.

“The strikes against ISIS gangs were conducted due to the risk posed by these gangs against Iraqi territory.

“This demonstrates the increased capabilities of our valiant armed forces in the pursuit and elimination of terrorism.”

The Prime Minister praised the Iraqi army for saving lives and helping to reduce the threat of terror.

He said: “Our heroic forces and fighters, in their pursuit of terrorist gangs, saved many lives and thwarted ISIS plans, dismantling its terrorist death machine.

“These strikes will help speed up the elimination of these gangs in the region after we eliminated them in Iraq.”

However Iraqi Brigadier General Yahya Rasool reported the airstrikes were coordinated fully with the Syrian government, which is supported by the US’s foes Russia and Iran.

US President Donald Trump recently made his opposition to Russia and the Assad regime clear, tweeting: “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria.

“Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!’

“You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!”

The US supports Iraq’s military campaign against ISIS, but opposes any collaboration with the Assad regime which it has accused of engaging in war crimes, including the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma.

Iraq’s alleged coordination of the airstrikes with the Syrian government poses the threat of escalating tensions between the US and Russia and Iran.

However, the US-led coalition reportedly provided “intelligence” for Iraq’s airstrikes on Thursday.

Robert B. Sofge, US Brigadier General, commented on Iraq’s airstrikes, saying: “The operation highlights the capabilities of Iraq’s armed forces to aggressively pursue ISIS and to maintain their country’s internal security.”

The military intervention was carried out by F-16 fighter jets, and targeted bomb factories surrounding the eastern town of Al-Bukamal.