Saudis Dare Not Launch Ground Operation in Syria: IRGC Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said Saudi Arabia lacks the courage to deploy ground troops to Syria, stressing that Riyadh’s capabilities basically fall short of such an action.
“Saudis do not and will not dare to launch a ground attack on Syria, because they are not at the level of entering the Syrian territories on the ground, and lack the ability to act at such level,” the senior commander told Tasnim on Wednesday.
Asked about Iran’s reaction to Saudi Arabia’s possible ground offensive against Syria, Major General Jafari reaffirmed that Iran will keep offering advisory assistance to the Syrian government and nation in the fight against terrorists.
He explained that Saudis might opt for some aerial operations in Syria by using American military equipment in order to prop up the terrorists there against the Syrian Army and people, but underlined that such measures will get nowhere.
“Our reaction to any move in Syria is clear and definite; we have provided Syria with advisory support and will continue that support,” the commander added.
The comments came after Riyadh voiced readiness to participate in any ground operations in Syria if the US-led coalition purportedly targeting terrorists decides to start such operations.
Saudi Arabia is a member of the so-called US-led coalition that has been conducting air raids against what are claimed to be the Daesh (ISIL) terrorists inside Syria without any authorization from the Syrian government or a UN mandate since September 2014.
Iran, a close ally of Syria, has been supporting the legitimate Syrian government in the fight against terrorists.
Tehran has already made it clear that its assistance to Syria is confined to consultation and advisory help.
Syria has been mired in a civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting an assortment of militant groups, including the Daesh terrorists.