The United States and Turkey have finalized technical details for Turkey’s full inclusion in the coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said today.
This includes full integration into the coalition’s air tasking order, which tracks, coordinates and de-conflicts all coalition air operations, Cook said during a Pentagon news conference.
Although implementing the technical orders at the operational level could take a few days, Cook said, he expressed confidence that Turkey is fully committed to participating as soon as possible.
“Turkey’s a NATO ally, a close friend of the United States and an important partner in the international coalition against ISIL,” Cook said. “Turkey’s already allowing the use of Turkish bases for U.S. strike and supporting aircraft.”
An Important Force Multiplier
The press secretary described Turkey’s merged effort with the United States as an “important force multiplier” that he said will sustain and complement U.S. efforts to pressure ISIL on a number of fronts.
“Beyond air operations, we continue our dialogue with Turkey to evaluate options on the most effective means of countering ISIL, including along its borders, in a manner that promotes Turkey’s security and regional stability,” he said.
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