clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

Jordan deploys ground troops along Iraq border

February 11, 2015 at 11:42 am

Jordan has deployed “thousands” of ground troops along its border with Iraq, US’s ABC News quoted a Jordanian source as saying.

According to the source, the troops will likely stay in their positions and will not enter the Iraqi territories without the Iraqi government’s approval.

Meanwhile, the head of the US-led coalition against ISIS, retired Marine General John Allen told Jordan’s official Petra news agency: “There will be a major counteroffensive on the ground in Iraq” shortly, adding that the coalition’s firepower would support the Iraqi-led attack.

Since the Islamic State (ISIS) released a video last week showing Jordanian pilot Mu’ath Al-Kaseasbeh burning alive; King Abdullah II increased his country’s engagement in the attacks against the organisation’s strongholds in Syria and Iraq.

ABC News quoted US officials as saying that “Jordan demanded over the weekend to expand its role in the coalition.”

Jordan’s air force chief Major General Mansour Al-Jobour said earlier that Jordanian F-16s launched a total of 56 airstrikes, successfully targeting arms depots, logistical centres and wiping out 20 per cent of ISIS’s capabilities.