Iraqi forces readying for massive ground attack against IS — US general

AMMAN — General John Allen, the US official coordinating the international anti-IS coalition, on Sunday said His Majesty King Abdullah is an example of exceptional leadership in the region, noting that the US and its allies listen with interest to his views on major causes. 

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Allen said a ground operation will be launched soon against the terrorist group, which will be led by Iraqi forces, backed by the coalition. 

Coalition forces are preparing 12 Iraqi brigades, which have been receiving training and arms to pave the way for the ground operation, Allen told the agency.

The US general expressed his condolences to Jordan, the King, government and people over the death of Jordanian pilot Muath Kasasbeh, describing his killing by IS as a criminal act committed by a despicable terrorist group.

He said that the Jordanian people have considerable capabilities to defend themselves and have the spirit to do so.

The commander added that he has visited Jordan several times, but he has never seen Jordanians this united and powerful after Kasasbeh’s death, saying that this is the true nature of Jordanians.

On the anti-IS campaign, Allen said the coalition has a partner in Iraq, but not in Syria, pointing out that he will head for East Asian countries in a bid to expand the coalition, which now comprises 62 countries.  

The coalition is currently supporting Iraqi tribes and there are young men from Iraq and US special troops that are training Iraqi tribesmen who have already started fighting the terrorist group as they did with Al Qaeda, especially in Al Anbar in west Iraq.