Nato is considering joining fight against Isis, says US defence secretary
The development came during a meeting of defence mininsters in Brussels
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NATO is considering joining the US-led coalition fighting Islamic State jihadists in Syria and Iraq, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said on Thursday.
“Thanks to the leadership of NATO (head) Jens Stoltenberg we are exploring the possibility of NATO joining the coalition as a member itself,” Mr Carter said after a meeting of the coalition in Brussels, according to the AFP news agency.
The coalition already includes all 28 NATO member states individually, but not the alliance in its own right.
The development came after the US had pressed its allies to contribute more to the US-led campaign against Isis, which it said must be accelerated.
Mr Carter spoke with more than two dozen defense ministers, including the minister from key regional ally Saudi Arabia, which renewed its offer potentially to send troops into Syria.
Mr Carter's push came a day after France delivered a rebuke to President Barack Obama, demanding that Washington show a clearer commitment to resolving the crisis in Syria where Russia is tipping the military balance in favor of President al-Bashar Assad.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments