“We have a big contract with Russia in the sphere of military and technical cooperation, within a framework of this contract we have already received Sukhoi aircraft, tanks and other armaments. Several days ago we received 1,000 protection suits. They are vital, because ISIL uses yperite [mustard gas] in its attacks in Syria and Iraq,” Haqim Zamli said.
He added that Iraq expects to renew the agreement with Russia, because the existing one will expire in the near future.
ISIL jihadists occupied vast territories of Iraq and neighboring Syria. Reports of ISIL fighters using chemical weapons in Iraq surfaced in the summer of 2014.
Russia has been conducting precision airstrikes on IS positions in Syria at the request of President Bashar Assad since September 30. Iraqi officials have repeatedly said that they could make a request for similar military assistance, however they have not made such a request yet.
