WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — He added that the deployment includes the use of the Incirlik airbase.
“Turkey has granted clearance for the deployment of manned and unmanned aircraft from the US and other coalition members participating in air operations against ISIL [Islamic State].”
Toner explained that Monday’s deadly suicide bombing in the town of Suruc that killed 30 people underscored the importance of enhancing mutual efforts to defeat the Islamic State and bolster Turkey’s security.
Turkey has previously been unwilling to actively participate in coalition airstrikes against Islamic State targets.
In Friday’s statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that Turkey had also decided to take part in the coalition operations, according to press reports.
The US-led coalition against the Islamic State was formed in September 2014 and is made up of 60 countries. Coalition partners conducting airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria include the United States, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
