One of the factors which led to the rise of ISIS in Iraq was a lack of Iraqi Security Forces capable of mobilizing to stop the extremists pouring over the Syrian border in 2014. A few US-trained units like the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Units (ICTS) were effective against the extremists but small in number. Other countries are now playing a larger role in training other units like Iraq's Rapid Response units. The military units take part in "counter-terrorism" training at a military base inside Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday. The exercises are being held over a period of four months in cooperation with Italian forces in Iraq. Photos: Ahmad al-Rubaye | AFP
