Maliki slams slams ‘some states’ over ISIL support

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accused some foreign states of supporting the al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in his country in attempt to sow “sectarian” strife in the nation.

In a Thursday interview aired on Al Iraqiya television network, the Iraqi leader stressed that “some states, do not want ISIL, especially on their territory, but they want ISIL in Iraq” for “sectarian” reasons.

Apparently referring to the Persian Gulf Arab countries, particularly neighboring Saudi Arabia, Maliki further stated, “We know the details of ISIL and its foreign ties and the ties of states to it, and the funding that comes to it.”

Commenting on the situation in Iraq’s western Anbar Province, Maliki said except for the city of Fallujah, the province was under the control of government forces.

Iraq is experiencing its worst cycle of violence since 2008. In recent weeks, Anbar has been the scene of deadly fighting between Iraqi security forces and the al-Qaeda-linked ISIL militants.

Violence erupted in Anbar in December 2013 when the army removed an anti-government camp in the city of Ramadi. Iraqi authorities said the camp had been used as “headquarters for the leadership of al-Qaeda.”

The bloodshed later spread to Fallujah and the militants moved in and seized the city and parts of Ramadi.

In similar comments in January, Maliki slammed the Al Saud regime for supporting terrorist groups operating inside his country, stressing, “The Iraqi army is in an open war with terrorists. Saudi Arabia has been sending in weapons as well as terrorists.”