Iraq asks Germany for help in fight against Islamic State

Baghdad (dpa) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday asked Germany for further assistance in fighting the Islamic State terrorist network in his country."The threat of terrorism is not only a threat to Iraq, but also to Europe," al-Abadi said in a meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Baghdad.The Iraqi premier appealed to the German government to help with training army troops. At the moment, German forces only train Kurdish soldiers in the north of Iraq.Steinmeier used his visit at an opportunity to highlight recent gains made in winning back Iraqi cities previously controlled by Islamic State. However, he assured al-Abadi that he did not underestimate "the tasks that stand before you and the international community."In response to Baghdad‘s appeal for more support in combatting terrorism, Steinmeier simply said that he had "listened carefully." He also announced Germany‘s plans to help build five field hospitals in liberated territories.Islamic State militants have overrun swathes of territory in Iraq in recent months. Last year it gained control of the country‘s second-biggest city of Mosul in a major victory for the extremist group.The United Nations estimates that 3.2 million Iraqis have been internally displaced as a result of the conflict. Around 250,000 Syrian refugees have also fled civil war to neighbouring Iraq."The stabilization of Iraq is just as important as the search for a political solution in Syria," Steinmeier said after arriving in Baghdad on Sunday. The minister‘s visit was not announced publicly until he had landed because of security concerns.