Iraqi lawmakers approved defense and interior ministers Saturday, an MP said, as security forces battle terrorist who hold swathes of the country.

Iraqi lawmakers approved defense and interior ministers Saturday, an MP said, as security forces battle terrorist who hold swathes of the country.

Khaled al-Obaidi of parliament's Itihad al-Quwa al-Wataniyah bloc was voted defense minister and Mohammed al-Ghabban of the Badr bloc for the interior post, Samira al-Mussawi told Agence France-Presse.

Ghabban was approved by 197 votes and Obaidi with 173, Iraqiya state television said.

MPs approved the majority of the cabinet on September 8, ushering in Haidar al-Abadi's term as premier, but he asked for another week to fill posts including the security ministries.