Turkey, Saudi Arabia Could Launch Ground Operation in Syria: Ankara
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Turkey and Saudi Arabia could launch a ground operation against ISIL (also known as Daesh) terrorists in Syria, while Riyadh is also sending war planes to a Turkish base to fight the Takfiris, the Turkish foreign minister said Saturday.
"If there is a strategy (against ISIL) then Turkey and Saudi Arabia could enter into a ground operation," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by the Yeni Safak and Haberturk newspapers after taking part in the 52nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany, AFP reported.
"Some say 'Turkey is reluctant to take part in the fight against Daesh'. But it is Turkey that is making the most concrete proposals," he said.
Cavusoglu added that Saudi Arabia, which has become an increasingly close ally of Turkey in recent months, is also sending planes to the Turkish base of Incirlik to fight ISIL.
"They (Saudi officials) came, did a reconnaissance of the base. At the moment it is not clear how many planes will come," Cavusoglu said.
Incirlik is a key hub for US-led coalition operations against ISIL, with planes from Britain, France and the United States carrying out raids inside Syria from the base.
"They (Saudi Arabia) said 'If necessary we can also send troops'. Saudi Arabia is showing great determination in the fight against terror in Syria," said the Turkish minister.
Asked if Saudi Arabia could send troops to the Turkish border to enter Syria, Cavusoglu said: "This is something that could be desired but there is no plan. Saudi Arabia is sending planes and they said 'If the necessary time comes for a ground operation then we could send soldiers'."
Saudi Arabia and Turkey both see the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad as essential for ending Syria's five-year civil war.