Turkish, Iraqi, U.S. military officials meet to discuss security issues

ANKARA, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The highest-ranking military officials of Turkey, Iraq and the U.S. on Thursday discussed issues about counter-terrorism and regional security at a trilateral meeting in Ankara, the Turkish Armed Force (TSK) said.

Joseph Votel, U.S. Central Command Commander, Curtis Scaparrotti, commander of U.S. Forces in Europe, and Iraqi Chief of General Staff Osman Ghanimi were present at the meeting hosted by Turkey's Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar, the TSK said in a written statement.

The officials discussed the general security situation in the region, particularly in Syria and Iraq, and measures needed to fight terror organizations, said the statement, without giving further details.

According to local Hurriyet Daily News, the meeting is believed to have focused on efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State and other extremist groups in both Syria and Iraq.

On Dec. 9, the Iraqi government declared full liberation of Iraq from IS militants, saying Iraqi forces have recaptured all the areas once seized by the extremist group. Enditem