Turkish President Erdogan Pledges Support for Saudi Arabia Military Operation

Turkish President Erdo?an Photo: EPA/BGNES

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has accused Iran of further aggravating the conflict between Sunniis and Shiites in Yemen.

He insisted that Tehran should immediately retreat its forces from Yemen in order to alleviate the situation, as reported by the Bulgarian National Radio.

''Turkey has always opposed wars between religious sects,'' Erdogan stated in press release. ''The crisis in Yemen is a result of the conflict between the Sunnis and Shiites and has negatively affected the whole region. But, unfortunately, Yemen will most probably be partitioned. The activity of Al-Qaeda additionally amplifies the tension.''

Erdo?an noted that a ground operation will be needed to back the air strikes aimed against Islamic State, so that the terrorist organization can be defeated.

He further announced that Turkey is ready to provide logistic assistance for the forces, led by Saudi Arabia that are currently conducting a military operation to counteract the Shiit rebels in Yemen. Details have not been revealed as yet.

The military operation has been launched against Houthi rebel forces, who overthrew Yemen's West-backed President in September 2014.

US President Barack Obama has also pledged support for the mission in terms of ''logistical and intelligence support''. 

The Saudi Arabian operation, named ''Storm of Resolve'' is currently backed by United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco and Sudan. Additionally, Egypt, Jordan, Sudan and Pakistan are ready to back a ground offensive in Yemen, as reported by al-Arabia TV station.

 

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