Baghdad Scorns 'Foreign Forces' for Arming Kurds and Violating Iraqi Airspace

A Kurdish man (R) inspects a weapon at an arms market in Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of northern IraqReuters

The Iraqi government has indirectly chided the US for allegedly violating the country's airspace by sending weapons to Kurdish forces, which are fighting against Islamic State (IS) militants.

In a veiled remark without mentioning any country, Iraq said unauthorised military aircraft have been using its airspace by capitalising on the ongoing political turmoil.

"We have noticed that in recent days foreign fighter jets have breached Iraq's airspace and delivered arms to a certain faction inside Iraq without Baghdad's permission. The Iraqi government did not give permission for any military plane to violate the Iraqi space," said the office of the Commanding General of the Iraqi armed forces.

The statement, however, explicitly mentions "northern Iraq" in a clear reference to the Kurdistan region.

The US has been conducting airstrikes against the Sunni insurgents in an attempt to stop their rapid advances in the northern parts of Iraq.

"We welcome international support for Iraq in its war against terrorism. But Iraq's territorial sovereignty must be respected," the Iraqi statement added.

The US airstrikes have helped Kurdish Peshmerga forces to launch a ground offensive against the militants in a bid to retake the strategic Mosul dam.

Washington has also decided to supply arms to the Kurdish forces.

The Kurdish fighters are said to be on the verge of taking full control of the dam, which was seized by the IS insurgents on 7 August.

A security source told IraqiNews.com on condition of anonymity: "Peshmerga forces seized control of the entire Mosul dam... [But] the elements of ISIL are currently inside the residential compound of Mosul dam."

The militants are also said to have planted mines and booby traps, which are being removed by the Kurdish security forces.

Honeymoon Murder Suspect Shrien Dewani Attempted Suicide After Wife's Killing

Dewani is accused of orchestrating his wife Anni's murder.

Honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani attempted suicide after his wife Anni Dewani was killed during a hijacking in Cape Town four years ago, a psychiatric report has revealed.

The 35-year-old is accused of orchestrating the murder of his 28-year-old bride, in a staged hijacking in Gugulethu township near Cape Town, in 2010.

In the weeks following Anni's death, Dewani took an overdose of tranquillisers while suffering depression, a medical panel confirmed,

The report submitted to the Western Cape High Court stated that he 'took to his bed' for a week after his wife's funeral, and suffered flashbacks and recurring nightmares following her death.

The Bristol based businessman refused to attend a psychiatric facility and was being treated for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder at his home.

Dewani has been assessed by four psychiatrists and a clinical psychologist at the Valkenberg Hospital since his extradition in April on a charge of murder. They determined that he is fit to stand trial.

Three men have already been convicted of hijacking, murder and robbery charges in connection with Anni's death and are serving prison sentences.

Xolile Mngeni, whom prosecutors claim was the hit man, was convicted of premeditated murder over the shooting. Another accomplice, Mziwamadoda Qwabe, was given a 25-year prison sentence after pleading guilty.

Zola Tongo, a taxi driver, was given an 18-year sentence after admitting his role in the killing.

Dewani's trial will start on October 6 and is expected to run until December 12.

He denies ordering the murder of his wife.