Report: Jordan to provide logistical support, training to Iraq
US to send CIA officers to Jordan for security and intel coordination, reports Arab newspaper.
By JPOST.COM STAFFUS Secretary of State John Kerry boards his plane in Amman, as he prepares to travel to Saudi Arabia, September 11(photo credit: REUTERS)
After Saudi Arabia vowed to support the broad, US-led coalition against the jihadist group Islamic State and host a training program for moderate Syrian fighters, Jordan appears to be ready to follow suit. Jordanian sources told the pan-Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat on Friday that the monarchy is willing to expand its role in the global fight against Islamic State and provide training and logistical support to Iraqi tribes combating the terrorist organization.The United States will send CIA officers to the Hashemite Kingdom, according to the newspaper, for security coordination and exchange of intelligence between the two countries. Aid will include command and control centers to oversee security and intelligence operations.The decision comes on the heels of a meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and King Abdullah in Amman on Thursday. A statement from the Jordanian government said the meeting focused on recent developments in the Middle East, the situation in Gaza and the escalating crises in Syria and Iraq.Sources close to the talks said Jordan had pledged support for the international coalition and offered to provide a base for future US strikes against Islamic State in neighboring countries. Jordan said it would also open its airspace to Western warplanes headed for strikes in Iraq and possibly Syria. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Denver, Colorado, Prince Feisal Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan reiterated his country’s support for the US-led campaign against IS. Speaking at an event marking 10 years of partnership between Jordan and the Colorado National Guard, the prince said Jordan would stand by its ally in combating mutual threats.
