Iraq sends delegation to Iran 'to coordinate military efforts'

A top ranking delegation from Iraq's armed forces headed to neighbouring Iran on Wednesday "to coordinate military efforts", according to a statement from the Iraqi military.

The statement did not give any details about the aim of the visit, believed to be part of retaliatory measures taken by the government in Baghdad following the non-binding independence referendum held in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Monday.

Iran and Turkey also oppose any move towards secession and their armies have started joint drills near their borders with the KRG in recent days. Iraq and Turkey have also held joint military drills.