Iraq Would Welcome Russian Strikes against ISIL: Abadi

The United States has led air strikes against ISIL in Iraq for more than a year, but Baghdad has repeatedly bemoaned the lack of engagement and air support for Iraqi forces trying to regain territory against the group.

On Wednesday, Russian warplanes began air strikes in neighboring Syria, saying it would hit ISIL and other terrorist groups.

Abadi, asked by France 24 television  Thursday whether he had discussed air strikes with Russia in his country, said, ""Not yet", adding "it is a possibility. If we get the offer we will consider it and I would welcome it," Reuters reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference that Moscow was not planning to expand its air strikes to Iraq.

"We were expecting the international coalition, Americans to bring massive air power to protect our forces," Abadi told France 24 on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly.

"We haven't received that. At the moment we are getting support, but it's not major, it's limited. What matters for us is how best to fight Daesh (ISIL)."

"It is in our interest to share information with Russia. Russia has a lot of information. The more information we gather the more I can protect the Iraqi people," Abadi said.

Abadi said Baghdad had also been getting "massive" and "very useful" information on ISIL from the Syrian government.

Abadi also said that the number of Iranian experts and advisers in his country "did not exceed 110" and "they are giving us expertise, training and know-how."

"Iran is helping us. They don't have soldiers or boots on the ground," Abadi said.

"I can see a sea change (in the fight against ISIL), but I hope it is in the right direction," Abadi said. "Our aim is to bring everybody together to fight Daesh and not fight among themselves."