US defense secretary wants more details on new Saudi alliance

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter says he is looking forward to learning more about what Saudi Arabia has in mind for the creation of a new 34-nation counter terrorism alliance based in Riyadh.

Carter tells reporters during a visit to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey that he would like to talk to the Saudis and learn more specifics of the plan.

“In general, at least, it appears that it’s very much aligned with something that we’ve been urging for quite some time, which is greater involvement in the campaign to combat ISIL by Sunni Arab countries,” he says, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter, accompanied by Joints Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Paul Selva, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, before the Senate Armed Service Committee. Carter said the U.S. is prepared to assist the Iraqi army with more personnel and equipment to help them fight Islamic State militants. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Defense Secretary Ash Carter testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, before the Senate Armed Service Committee. (AP/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

A senior defense official said the US did not know in advance about the formation of an Islamic military alliance to fight terrorism, but officials were working to find out the details.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

— AP

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