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Thursday, September 19, 2019, 22:02
UAE joins US-led maritime coalition in Gulf, Iraq won't
By Associated Press
Thursday, September 19, 2019, 22:02 By Associated Press

DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates said it has joined a US-led coalition to protect waterways across the Mideast after an attack on Saudi oil installations while Iraq said it would not.

The state-run WAM news agency announced the UAE's decision in a statement Thursday.

Iraq's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmad al-Sahhaf said Gulf security is the responsibility of Gulf countries

It quoted Salem al-Zaabi of the Emirati Foreign Ministry as saying the UAE joined the coalition to "ensure global energy security and the continued flow of energy supplies to the global economy."

ALSO READ: Iran warns US of response to any action over Saudi attack

Saudi Arabia joined the coalition on Wednesday. Australia, Bahrain and the United Kingdom also are taking part.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Iraq's Foreign Ministry said it would not join the coalition.

Ahmad al-Sahhaf said Gulf security is the responsibility of Gulf countries. In a statement Thursday, he said Iraq rejects Israel's participation in the coalition.

The US formed the coalition after attacks on oil tankers that American officials blame on Iran, as well as Iran's seizure of tankers in the region. Iran denies being behind the tanker explosions.

The Saudi oil installation attack Saturday has further heightened Mideast tensions.

READ MORE: Iran: US-led maritime coalition won't make Gulf secure


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