Saudi Arabia confirms sending aircraft to Turkey for fight against IS

Saudi Arabia confirmed late on Saturday night that it sent aircraft to NATO-member Turkey’s Incirlik air base to contribute to the fight against Islamic State militants.

Saudi Arabia confirmed late on Saturday night that it sent aircraft to NATO-member Turkey’s Incirlik air base to contribute to the fight against Islamic State militants.

A file photo of Saudi Arabia’s Brigadier General Ahmed al-Assiri. The Brigadier General confirmed that the kingdom had sent aircraft to Turkey to contribute to the fight against Islamic State. (REUTERS)

Brigadier General Ahmed al-Assiri, adviser in the office of Saudi Arabia’s minister of defence, told pan-Arab Al Arabiya television that the kingdom was committed to stepping up the fighting against Islamic State and that the move was part of those efforts.

He also said that the current presence in the air base was limited to aircraft and no ground troops had been sent.

“What is present now is aircraft that are part of the Saudi Arabian forces,” Assiri said in response to a question on whether ground troops were included.

Saudi Arabia has resumed its participation in air strikes against Islamic State in recent weeks and US Defence Secretary Ash Carter on Thursday welcomed its commitment to expand its role.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the Yeni Safak newspaper on Saturday that Saudi Arabia had carried out inspections at the air base in preparation to sending aircraft.