Saudi Arabia has announced that it will provide ground troops in support of coalition actions against the Islamic State in Syria. Business Insider reports that Saudi Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Assiri announced his country’s readiness to participate in a ground campaign against ISIS. Some analysts have noted that Saudi Arabia’s support in this area is likely going to be more symbolic than tactically significant. The announcement comes while Saudi Arabia is involved in two proxy wars against Iran – in Yemen and Bahrain – and was likely motivated by a desire to counter growing Iranian influence in the region.
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