NATO will not deploy ground troops to fight ISIS.

(Baonghean.vn) - On December 7th, a Swiss newspaper quoted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg as saying that NATO would not deploy ground troops to fight the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Syria, while emphasizing the need to strengthen local forces to counter IS.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: Reuters

When asked about deploying ground troops to support airstrikes, Jens Stoltenberg stated: "That's not an issue on the agendas of NATO and its allies… Ground troops will be reinforced by local forces. This isn't easy, but it's the only option."

Mr. Stoltenberg also emphasized that the conflict is not a war between the West and the Muslim world, but a fight against "extremism and terrorism," because "most of the victims are Muslims and most of those fighting against IS are also Muslims."

Mr. Stoltenberg indicated that NATO would help Türkiye improve its air defense system after Türkiye shot down a Russian military aircraft last month. “NATO will approve a package of support measures for Türkiye before Christmas,” he added.

The NATO Secretary General also stressed the need for restraint and calm in resolving tensions with Russia following the downing of the plane. "Now it is important to prevent tensions from escalating and to build a mechanism to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future," he said.

Mr. Stoltenberg also called on Russia to "play a more constructive role in the fight against IS. So far, Russia has focused its attacks on opposition forces and supported President Assad's regime."

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters)