U.S. defense chief seeks more Turkish help against Islamic State
- 8 years ago
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter urged Turkey on Tuesday to do more to help destroy Islamic State militants as he kicked off a tour of the Middle East that aims to drum up regional support for the military campaign.
Speaking during a visit to the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, Carter said Ankara needed to better control its border with Syria, particularly a roughly 60-mile stretch believed to be used by Islamic State for illicit trade and for shuttling foreign fighters back and forth.
Incirlik has grown more important in the U.S.-led campaign of air strikes against Islamic State, with 59 U.S., Turkish, Qatari and German aircraft now operating out of the base, up from about 15 from all coalition countries at the beginning of September, U.S. officials said.
Speaking during a visit to the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, Carter said Ankara needed to better control its border with Syria, particularly a roughly 60-mile stretch believed to be used by Islamic State for illicit trade and for shuttling foreign fighters back and forth.
Incirlik has grown more important in the U.S.-led campaign of air strikes against Islamic State, with 59 U.S., Turkish, Qatari and German aircraft now operating out of the base, up from about 15 from all coalition countries at the beginning of September, U.S. officials said.