Growing Concerns In Saudi Arabia On A Military Involvement In Syria

Troops arrive to participate in joint military exercises in Hafr Al-Batin, near Saudi Arabia"s border with Iraq in this handout photo by Saudi Press Agency released on February 16, 2016. REUTERS/Saudi Press Agency/Handout via Reuters

Washington Post: Concerns in Saudi Arabia over signs of more military involvement in Syria

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia is flexing its muscles as pro-government forces in Syria’s civil war make sweeping advances, but concerns have mounted about its expanding military involvement in the conflict.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s military, backed by Iranian-led militiamen and Russian airstrikes, has pressed a major offensive in the northern city of Aleppo, even as talks to broker a ceasefire have made some progress.. The move threatens rebel groups that have received cash and weapons from Saudi Arabia, a Sunni powerhouse and U.S. ally that opposes Assad because of his alliance with Shiite rival Iran.

Saudi officials have responded by dispatching warplanes to Turkey, another opponent of the Syrian leader. They have said they could commit ground forces to Syria that would technically fight the Islamic State militant group but could also seemingly challenge pro-Assad forces.

Saudi leaders also have announced large-scale military exercises involving 20 mostly Arab and African nations.

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WNU editor: The Saudis are definitely not winning the war in Yemen, and with the prospect of becoming directly involved in the Syrian conflict .... and against a far more deadlier and heavily armed opposition .... not a comforting thought. The only ones who appear to be happy with these developments are the arms merchants .... because the Saudis are definitely buying the weapons to pursue war .... Saudi Arabia leads surge in arms imports by Middle East states (The Guardian).