Saudi Arabia has announced its readiness to send ground troops to Syria to help in the battle against ISIS, or Daesh, according to comments made by a Saudi defense official.
“The kingdom is ready to participate in any ground operations that the coalition (against ISIS) may agree to carry out in Syria,” said military spokesman Brigadier General Ahmed al-Asiri during an interview with Al-Arabiya TV news.
That is likely to include thousands of special forces, possibly in coordination with Turkey. Turkey’s President recently visited Saudi Arabia and met with Saudi King Salman and other top officials.
Long criticized for its focus on Yemen over Syria, Saudi Arabia’s announcement has been well-received by leaders in the European Union and the United States.
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter welcomed the offer, saying that increased activity by other countries would make it easier for the United States to accelerate its fight against Islamic State militants. According to Reuters, Carter said the Saudi government had indicated a willingness to do more in the fight against Islamic State, which controls vast swaths of Syria and Iraq.
A U.S.-led coalition with Saudi participation would raise the stakes in Syria, the world’s bloodiest and most complex ongoing war. Russia entered the fray in September in support of the Assad regime, and has had two incidents that brought open conflict between Russia and Turkey to the brink.
Next week, leaders will meet in Brussels to help encourage more broad-based support for accelerating the fight against Islamic State, according to Reuters.
