Washington: US President Barack Obama has welcomed Britain’s and Germany’s decision to join the air campaign against the dreaded Islamic State militant group in Syria.
“I welcome the vote by the UK to join Coalition partners striking Islamic State (ISIS) targets in Syria. The special relationship between the US and the UK is rooted in our shared values and mutual commitment to global peace, prosperity, and security,” Obama said in a statement.
“Since the beginning of the counter-ISIS campaign the UK has been one of our most valued partners in fighting ISIS. We look forward to having British forces flying with the Coalition over Syria, and will work to integrate them into our Coalition Air Tasking Orders as quickly as possible,” he said.
In his statement, Obama also welcomed Germany’s announcement that it will commit up to 1,200 German troops to support coalition efforts to fight ISIS, including potentially deploying reconnaissance planes, tanker aircraft, and support for the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Gulf.
“While this still requires German Parliamentary approval, this is a clear sign of Germany’s continued commitment to the counter-ISIS campaign and to working with a broad range of partners to defeat this shared threat,” Obama said.
“ISIS is a global threat that must be defeated by a global response,” he said.
“The US welcomes any partner’s genuine counter-ISIS efforts in Syria and Iraq, and I applaud the steps taken by the UK and Germany that demonstrate our unity and resolve. I look forward to working closely with the UK, Germany, and all our Coalition partners on our ongoing shared efforts to degrade and destroy ISIL,” Obama said.