Saudi top diplomat urges allies to face IS ‘on the ground’

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister urged the U.S.-led coalition conducting air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq to wage a ground war against the jihadists. It came as Islamic State fighters ignited a fire at the Ajil oil field to shield themselves from attack by Shi’ite militiamen and IIraqi military helicopters on Thursday. Control of oil fields has played an important part in funding Islamic State, even if it lacks the technical expertise to run them at full capacity. Several Arab countries have joined the air campaign against IS. President Barack Obama, anxious to avoid a drawn-out ground war, has backed an air campaign, but ruled out deploying infantry.

Tikrit is a prime example of what we are worried about. Iran is taking over the country.

Prince Saud al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia

The outcome of the battle for Tikrit, best known as the home town of executed Sunni president Saddam Hussein, will determine whether and how fast the Iraqi forces can advance further north and attempt to win back Mosul, the biggest city under Islamic State rule. Tehran, not Washington, has been the key player in the current offensive, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard general Qassem Soleimani seen directing operations on the eastern flank, and Iranian-backed militia leading much of the operation.

We have urged all Iraqi forces to avoid and prevent the abuse to civilians of any kind of activity that violates international norms, fuels sectarian fears, and promotes sectarian divides, and that includes Iran in terms of their activities.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry

Middle East Tikrit